She bundled the creature against her chest. Its body was warmer than expected, muscles twitching with unusual strength. The eyes caught the moonlight and glowed like polished stones. “You poor thing,” she whispered. A prickle of unease traveled up her arms, but compassion outweighed caution. She carried it home.
Inside, she lined a box with towels and placed the kitten inside. It flexed its paws, slightly large for its size, tiny claws snagging the fabric. She offered warm milk in a saucer, watching as the kitten lapped with surprising vigor. Hunger seemed endless, and Elise found herself oddly transfixed.