"That explains why my dreams took such a turn, I suppose." They often do if she takes more than an hour or two at a stretch- at least as of late. She's become grimly resigned to it; more than that leads only to deeper and darker places.

Lingering is tempting- but there is work. No matter how charming the kitten. Adelaide smooths her hand against Purrelden's fur one last time before taking Anders' to pull herself up.

"It is a hard life, being a kitten."