Noah slowed down when he noticed Arisha.
She was crouching near the side of the pathway, her school skirt spread neatly around her knees. Her golden eyes were focused on something in the grass beside the road.
She didn't react when he approached.
She didn't look over her shoulder.
She didn't even seem surprised by his presence.
It was almost like she had already known he was coming.
Curious, Noah walked over and crouched beside her.
"What are you looking at?" he asked.
Arisha didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she simply tilted her chin slightly toward the grass.
Noah followed her gaze.
There was a cat.
He blinked.
The little creature stood calmly on a patch of green grass, completely relaxed despite being so close to people. Its fur was black as night, smooth and shiny under the afternoon sunlight. Every strand seemed to catch the light, giving it a soft glow.
Its eyes were the most striking part. They were almost glowing.
