Backlund, 69 Rose Street.
"Was Mr. Lorne's work always this busy...?"
Melissa sat on the sofa with an orange cat lying in her lap. Gently stroking the fur along the cat's back, she murmured:
"He isn't even that old, yet he has to travel all over the world. It sounds even more exhausting than when Benson worked for that import and export company..."
"Meow..."
Lucky yawned and gave a lazy meow. Although, as a proud "Assassin kitty," she normally disliked being held like a stuffed toy, she had to admit that the girl's lap was warm. Together with those gentle strokes, it was comfortable enough to lull her to sleep.
"I wonder... when I'll get to see him again?"
Melissa's fingers paused briefly. Something seemed to occur to her, and a blush swiftly spread across her fair cheeks.
She shyly bit her lower lip, her legs unconsciously pressing together. Her clear eyes shone with a young girl's innocent bashfulness. With her free hand, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and a faint smile she hadn't even noticed curved her lips.
"Meow?"
Despite how softly Melissa had spoken, Lucky had still heard her.
The orange cat, who had been resting with her eyes closed, immediately raised her head in surprise and stared at the lovestruck girl with her amber eyes.
Hey, hey, young lady, those are dangerous thoughts, meow!
You're actually setting your sights on my owner?
Just as Lucky grumbled inwardly, even wondering whether she should find an opportunity to give this innocent girl a "friendly reminder" in a cat's own way-
"Knock, knock, knock."
A soft knocking suddenly came from the door. Only, it seemed to be coming from rather low down.
"Come in," Melissa called softly, gathering her thoughts.
The next second, amid a