The ride back ended in silence, and silence followed them into the apartment like an uninvited guest that refused to leave. The door had barely opened when the quiet shattered in the most unexpected way.
A soft thudding sound came first, followed by hurried tiny paws skidding slightly on the polished floor. Before Ayla could even take a full step inside, two small furry bodies launched themselves toward her with reckless enthusiasm.
"Mimi… Miso…" Ayla breathed out, stunned.
The kittens nearly collided with her legs, mewling loudly, tails straight up, eyes bright with unmistakable relief. Mimi jumped first, front paws clinging to Ayla's pant leg as if terrified she might disappear again. Miso followed immediately, weaving around her ankles, rubbing insistently, his tiny voice rising into plaintive cries that sounded almost like scolding.
Ayla froze for a moment, then slowly crouched down, her chest tightening as emotion rushed up faster than she could stop it.
