Narrow rays of sunlight streamed through slits between the drapes across lingering dust on the bedroom floor. Ash in the fireplace lay grey and lifeless and although the temperature of the room had dropped, it remained warmer than the rest of the house. Lannor no longer dwelled in the bedroom, unable to find comfort in sleeping next to Tyler, even in his feline form.

Seated on the loveseat in the middle of the smaller room, Lannor found some comfort surrounded by floor to ceiling bookcases, stacked two deep with books. These books were Lannor’s salvation, many read time and time again. Yet, they offered no distraction from Tyler. Frustrated by his desire for company, Lannor struggled with a decision he’d never had to make before. Did he remain in his feline form until Tyler left? Or did he transform? Given Lannor craved conversation, the most sensible solution was obvious, so why was it hard for him to consider.

There had to be more. Something Lannor was missing. To find himself trapped on the planet for so long made Lannor question once more what was it his mother insisted he discover. Could Tyler help? Lannor rubbed his face with both hands in frustration. Thoughts going around in circles were getting him nowhere.

The sound of movement in the bedroom startled Lannor, having not anticipated Tyler waking early after four hours of sleep. Lannor transformed into his feline form and watched from the open door as Tyler made his way to the bathroom. With stealth, Lannor ran back into bedroom and jump up onto the bed. Still warm, Lannor longed to transform and curl naked against the warm bedding. However, such a sight would alarm Tyler and Lannor didn’t want to explain why he was there.

The sound of the toilet flushing and running water in the basin filtered down the hall. Rather than lie on the bed, Lannor sat and cleaned his paw. A terrible waste of time and something he despised doing yet the need to appear cat like was a necessity.

“There you are. I thought you abandoned me?”

Tyler’s voice louder than necessary in the quiet room, frightened Lannor and he hissed at the being startled. Tyler gave a chuckle. About to return to cleaning his paw, Lannor heard the sound of cloth being removed and glanced up to catch Tyler naked. Not expecting this, Lannor hissed again.

“What!” Tyler said, the grin on his face almost challenging Lannor to react again. “Anyone would think you’re jealous.”

Tyler held out his arms to display his physique and Lannor stared in shock.

“I have you know I work hard to maintain this look. A healthy lifestyle equals healthy living.”

Lannor might have choked on a fur ball if he’d been able to manage one. Instead, Lannor stood and not only hissed at Tyler but arched his back, his tale ridged with dislike. Tyler’s laughter filled the room and Lannor refused to tolerate him any longer. Lannor flew from the bed and out the bedroom door before Tyler could say another word.

However, that didn’t stop Tyler from calling out, “You are jealous, aren’t you.”

Tyler continued to chuckle to himself, the fickle cat was a delight to have around and he was more than willing to put up with its weirdness. The draft from the hall seeped into the bedroom, reminding Tyler not to stand around naked for too long. Quickly dressing in blue jeans and black long sleeve shirt, with the addition of a navy windcheater, socks and sneakers; Tyler grabbed the last apple and ate as he made his way downstairs to investigate the house.

Sun flooded through the small window beside the front door, giving Tyler his first real glimpse of the staircase and foyer. Loose floorboards on the staircase and the bad condition of the balustrade made Tyler grateful he’d not realised its poor condition during the night. The fear the staircase might give way was real. Years of neglect highlighted the need for maintenance. In the corridor beside the stairs, leading to the kitchen, the threadbare rug looked worse in daylight. Heavy patches worn clear through to the coarse brown backing and the colour lost due to dust embedded deep into the pile.

At the kitchen door, Tyler came to a sudden stop. The bright lime green cupboard doors and terrazzo floor were indescribable. The sickly sight almost blinding and on the counter by the large bay window, sat the cat.

“Hello. We meet again.”

Tyler entered the kitchen, opened several cupboard doors and confirmed they were empty. A quick investigation of the fridge showed an encouraging condition and gave Tyler optimism it would work. Another look at the utilities under the stairs looked promising and not near as many cobwebs as Tyler imagined. At the back door once more, Tyler opened it and looked outside. The backyard was a disaster. Two-foot tall grass with a mixture of weeds and untamed shrubs grew from the edge of the concrete path all the way towards the trees along the perimeter of the yard. A narrow path from the door to the clothesline barely visible but looked usable. The grey sky ominous with more rain to come deterred Tyler investigating any further and back inside; Tyler locked the door and returned to the kitchen.

The cat remained on the bench and Tyler leaned against the counter to address him.

“I need a trip in town today; going to need supplies. Not sure what you did for food around here but I’m sure you’d like something nicer than mice.”

Tyler reached out and ran a hand over the cat’s head and the cat leaned forward against Tyler’s hand.

“Not so bad after all.” Tyler murmured. There was something satisfying about the gentle sound of purring as Tyler continued to pat the cat.

“Well! Can’t stand here all day spoiling you. Let’s see about food and maybe getting the power connected today.”

Lost in thought, Lannor immediately missed the lost of Tyler’s hand. The manner in which Tyler stoked his head and the gentle one side conversation reminded Lannor of the time Elizabeth lived there. It took Lannor back to the past. It had been a sombre affair when Elizabeth left. Lannor refused to appear before her; angry she would leave rather than stay. Perhaps that was his mistake, given no one replaced Elizabeth. Had it been her plan to keep others away from the house? There wasn’t a time Lannor wondered if he should have convinced her to stay.

The creaking of the stairs pulled Lannor out of his trance, as he became aware Tyler was no longer in the kitchen. Lannor listened and when he heard the unmistakable sound of keys, jumped down from the bench and made his way towards the bottom of the stairs. Tyler skipped the last two stairs with a jump and the sound vibrated through the house. Had Lannor not seem Tyler coming the sound would have shaken him. At the front door, Lannor followed Tyler out and Tyler locked the door behind him.

“Are you coming?” Tyler asked about to step from the porch into the muddy ground still damp from the rain overnight. Lannor came to a stop at the bottom step and sat.

“I’ll take that as a no. Although, I don’t blame you, looks like it will rain again.”

Lannor watched Tyler jog out and climb into his vehicle. As the engine roared anxiety built in the pit of Lannor’s stomach. Irritated by this emotion, Lannor reprimanded himself at being foolish to be disappointed Tyler was leaving the house after being there for a short time. Rationally, Tyler needed to leave to arrange services and food to eat. Yet, these thoughts did not stop Lannor from bordering on trepidation.

With Tyler gone, every car driving past the driveway only increased Lannor’s anxiety. Disgusted with himself for allowing a man to affect him in such a way didn’t stop Lannor from fretting. Everything around Lannor screamed abandonment and until Tyler returned Lannor refused to return to the empty house.