Beautiful Monster

by Sara Cate

I’m trying not to get my hopes up. I don’t want to enjoy this version of Mom too much, for fear that it’s just a phase and that she won’t be around to stay.

I pet the cat and he purrs against my hand. We never owned animals growing up, but already I can see the appeal. When the cat looks at me, I feel a bond with him. “What’s his name?” I ask. “George.” A laugh bursts from my lips. “That’s a terrible name for a cat,” I laugh. Alexander shrugs. “It fits.”