Shadow released Rocky from their hug; she couldn’t handle the fact that she was crying uncontrollably. “Come Rocky let’s sit on the couch, and we can catch up on what has been going on with each other,” said Shadow as she took hold of Rocky’s paw and began to lead him to the family room. When they reached the couch, they both cautiously sat down. “Why don’t you go first,” said Shadow. “OK, it’s been a rough couple of months for me. My owner died in November. None of his relatives would take me in, so I was pushed out to the streets, hence my current appearance. I found out about you through my owner, Scott. Scott knew where you lived. He gave me your address. He told me you were my sister and that I should reach out to you. You see, I’ve been homeless for the last couple of months. I began to look for you. When I found out you had COVID, I started making my way to you. I wanted to meet you before you died. I contacted Thom, and he told me you had been hospitalized and couldn’t have any visitors. I was crushed when I heard this. Luckily, Thom gave me an Obama phone. He called me when you recovered from your coma, and were to be released in a couple of days since you had no fever and your COVID symptoms had started to fade. I got on the first bus to Reseda. And here I am now, sitting in front of my big sister,” Rocky said fighting back tears. He couldn’t believe he found his sister.

Shadow was crying during his whole story. When Rocky was finished, she told him he had a home here with her. She told him she would talk to Thom. “Streets are no place for a six-month kitten,” said Shadow. Just then Thom walked into the room. “I hope you don’t mind but I overheard every heart-breaking, sad detail. Of course, I will take Rocky in,” said Thom.

Rocky stood where he was and began to sob. He was so happy he would have an owner again. “Thank you, Thom,” said Rocky as he made his way to Thom to give him a big hug. Rocky held onto Thom a long time. For some strange reason, he felt safe now…