frncat

Meow—

(Sorry, kitties, I can't play with you today.)

Here's where I live, mummy.

By yourself, sweetheart?

No, I have a roommate to keep me company.

Is that right...? I had no idea. I would've brought a gift for her.

Don't worry about it.

She's out on a mission right now and won't be back for a while. She says you can have her bed for these few days, if you want.

Well... I booked a hotel in a nearby city.

Right... I understand. A hotel would be more comfortable, after all.

The room may be nice, but it would be too empty without my precious daughter. I'm not sure I'd be able to sleep.

So you'll stay here?

(Touches Mousse's nose) Yes, sweetheart.

I knew you were coming, so I spent an entire day cleaning up! Everything's sparkling!

Have you forgotten? You didn't even need to make your own bed at home.

Rhodes Island isn't like home. I have to do a lot on my own. It took some time to get used to, but I've learned a lot.

At first, I didn't know how to put the comforter into its cover.

I kept struggling with it, but I just couldn't get it done.

Guess what happened when I finally managed to get it zipped up?

I almost zipped myself in with it! Hah!

(Embarrassed smile) That's really something... haha.

Close your eyes, mummy!

Why?

Just close them for a little bit.

Hm... alright.

I guarantee you'll be shocked when you see my room.

Er...

I certainly am shocked, sweetheart.

Oh no, mummy... it wasn't like that this morning...

'Kitties' run rampant around the messy room.

The curtains have been reduced to barely-recognizable ribbons.

Less fortunate are the vases formerly on the table, with the broken shards on the ground the only sign that they were ever there in the first place.

A 'Kitty' stands on the table, preparing to leap over to the nearby wardrobe.

Mousse looks up to the wardrobe, a vase teeters by the edge, looking like it could fall at any second.

(Jumps on top of the wardrobe)

Meow!

No! Not the vases!

Meow?

Bad kitty!

How could you do this! You're all bad kitties!

It's ok, sweetheart. They're mischievous creatures.

Sorry, mummy. This isn't what I had meant to show you. I really did clean up.

I know, sweetheart. Let's find a place to sit down and figure out how to put everything back in its proper place.

Let's see... is there anywhere we can sit?

Watch out! There's yarn on the floor!

Watch out for—Aiee!

Are you alright?

I'm fine... it's just...

I'll call Medical!

No, I'm not hurt. I just stepped on my dress when I tripped, and I think...

What?

I think I put a hole in it.

That was a long day... I'm sore all over.

Didn't you have the day off?

I was preparing for mummy's visit. I've been on edge for days.

Shouldn't you be happy to have family visiting? Why so nervous?

I've always been worried about disappointing mummy. My siblings are all outstanding, while I'm totally unremarkable.

I've no achievements to speak of, and I caught an illness that can't be spoken of...

Don't be so down on yourself. Wasn't the Doctor just raving about your incredible progress a few days ago?

It's... It's not enough. You don't know how incredible my siblings are.

Byron is already a lieutenant colonel, and Emily is consulting for several different banks straight out of school.

Violet is an authority on Originium Arts research. And my youngest brother, Carl...

Violet? <i>That</i> Violet?

Yes, <i>that</i> Violet. She's my older sister.

Alright... I don't blame you for being nervous, then.

I got compared to them whenever I attended a gathering.

Mummy always defended me, but she's a proud woman, and she must be ashamed to have a daughter like me.

That's what I hate about high society. The gossip never stops.

That's why I wanted to show her how much I've grown.

*sigh*...

Good afternoon, Mrs. Selis. My name is Bibeak, and I'm a friend of Mousse's.

Thank you for mending my skirt, Miss Bibeak.

I really appreciate it.

Er, I'm very glad I could help. Yes. Indeed.

(Mousse's mother doesn't seem like the chatty type... wherever has Mousse gone? How long will we have to sit here staring at each other?)

(But what can we even talk about? Argh, I'll just pick a random topic...)

(Takes a deep breath) Mrs. Selis, I...

Mummy, I made your favorite almond cake.

(Finally!)

And I made a custard tart for you, Bibeak. It's your favorite, isn't it?

Thank you, Mousse! I've mended Mrs. Selis's skirt. Her blouse is fine.

Miss Bibeak did a splendid job. It's like the hole was never there.

G-Great! Let me know whenever you'd care for a pastry. I, I'd love to make you anything.

No need to go that far. You should sit down too. I'm sure Mrs. Selis can't wait to taste the cake.

Come, sweetheart, I haven't had your cake in ages.

R-Right.

How is it?

It's delicious.

Yes. Just the perfect level of sweetness and moistness. It's so... agh!

What's the matter?

I think I got something strange in my mouth.

What are these? Hairs?

Oh no, it's kitty hair! Don't eat any more. I'll get you another piece.

Sorry, they must have gotten in when I forgot to lock the kitchen door.

It's alright, sweetheart. I don't mind at all.

But mummy...

It's alright, really.

(But your eyes are turning red...)

Mousse...

Ahem. I believe you're a designer, Miss Bibeak? Are you familiar with the latest trends?