where i'm safe

new addition

                                            aria's pov

i pull up to the nearest pet shop and park and help kai unbuckle her seatbelt in the back seat.

the bell jingles as we walk into the shop, the scent of fish tanks and hay filling the air. kai's hand tightens in mine as her eyes dart around bright tanks of fish, bunnies curled in corners, birds fluttering and chirping.

we look around the shop at the bunnies, birds and some reptiles that kai is fascinated by.

but then she sees one. a kitten.

she gasps so loud that some heads turn, and i can't help but laugh at her awe. she tugs me forward until we reach the small enclosure. only one kitten waits there, a tiny grayish-blue fluff curled in the corner.

"mama..." her voice is soft and reverent. "kitty."

the kitten blinks up with sleepy eyes, then pads over, pressing its paws against the glass. kai presses her palm to the same spot, her whole body glowing.

"they're sweet, huh?" i say softly.

"i want her," kai whispers. "please, mama." she begs.

i crouch down so we're eye level, smoothing her back. "baby, having a kitty is a big responsibility. she'll need food, water, clean litter every day. she'll need gentle hands and patience. it's not like slime or blocks, you can't put them away when you're done playing."

kai's lip trembles just a little. "i can do it, mommy."

i tilt her chin so she looks up at me. "you'd have to help mama take care of her every single day. no matter what. do you understand?"

she nods quickly, eyes wide and shining. "yes, mama. promise." she says and  holds her pinky out.

i study her face for a moment, the way she's clutching the glass like her heart already belongs to that little gray ball of fur. then i sigh, my voice softening. "alright, lovebug. i believe you." i say pinky promising.

her squeal bursts out before she can stop it, and she buries her face into my shirt, shaking with joy.

i ask the clerk if we could play with the kitten over in an enclosed area, and kai is bursting with joy.

she brings the kitten out and before we go in, i warn kai that we have to be calm and gentle because it's still a baby.

"ok mommy" she says and steps inside and the kitten immediately walks over to her and sits in her lap.

"my kitty," she whispers, eyes shining.

"our kitty," i correct gently, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "and we'll take care of her together."

"our kitty" she repeats.

when the clerk sees kai's little face pressed close to the kittens, she smiles warmly. "that's our last kitten," she explains. "he's a russian blue, about two months old. sweet little boy."

kai's eyes go round. "boy kitty," she whispers, like it's the most magical news she's ever heard.

"there's also a fifty dollar adoption fee," the clerk adds, sliding a small clipboard across the counter. "that covers his first checkup and some vaccines. you'll just need to fill out some paperwork."

i glance down at kai, her cheeks flushed, her fingers gripping the edge of my sweater like she's afraid i'll change my mind. i smooth her hair out her face, smiling gently. "sounds fair to me."

"yes, mama?" she asks, voice trembling with hope.

"yes, lovebug," i nod. "he's ours."

her squeal is muffled against my chest as she buries her face in me, bouncing on her toes.

while she clings close, i fill out the forms: name, address, emergency contact all while listening to her whisper softly through the carrier holes. "hi, kitty. i kai. you my kitty now."

once the paperwork is finished, the clerk hands me a neat folder with his vet record tucked inside. i tuck it safely in my purse  before turning to kai. "alright, babygirl. since  we're bringing him home, we need to get him set up right."

the pet shop aisles are a blur of colors and sounds, but i move slow, letting kai peek into the carrier every so often. we pick out litter, a stainless steel littler box, a box of wet kitten food, and a pair of tiny bowls. kai insists on choosing a toy herself, a dangling feather wand she waves around proudly.

"bed too, mama," she points, tugging at my sleeve.

i nod and let her pick. she hugs the small gray bed to her chest, carrying it all the way to the counter even though it's nearly as big as she is.

"you're doing such a good job helping, baby," i murmur as we load everything into the car. she beams, whispering to the carrier again as if the kitten can understand every word.

by the time we're buckled in, the trunk packed with supplies, kai sighs, content and glowing. "our kitty, mama."

i kiss her temple, starting the car. "our kitty, lovebug. and we'll take care of him together."

i have a question: do you guys think i'm dragging this book out? i have more ideas for upcoming chapters but i'm 57 chapters in and i don't know if you all would still want to read along. let me know what you think.

also, what should they name the kitten?