Scratching Post
Several days after the initial encounter, Scram, Tessa’s unwelcomed Vader-black tabby cat, still slinked around her apartment. For the past couple of days it was the center of her misfortune. It kept knocking things over, drinking all the milk, and it claimed Tessa’s favorite part of the bed. Scram was a diva, and it caused great frustration. However, she could never bring herself to throw it out. Whether it was its silky smooth fur, adorable purrs, or simply providing company on the stormy nights, Scram had dug its way into a spot in Tessa’s heart. As Tessa cleaned out her painting canvases that apparently served as Scram’s litterbox, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Margot: Free today. Wanna hang? Tessa sprung at the opportunity. She needed to get out of her apartment. She brushed her hair back, grabbed her hoodie, and stepped out the door, taking good care to make sure it was locked. Satisfied, she headed out of the Meridian. Ten minutes later, she was by Margot’s side dr...