My hands were slightly trembling as I unlocked the door and pulled it open.
"Jeff?" I started, but the name was instantly choked out of me.
The relief lasted exactly two seconds before my fat, orange cat launched itself straight out of Jeff's arms and directly into my chest
"Poppy!" I gasped, stumbling backward.
I nearly dropped her from shock, but my instincts kicked in and I scrambled to wrap both arms around her plump body. She didn't make it easy.
Immediately, she began scrambling upward like I was a human scratching post, dug her claws lightly into my shirt and began aggressively rubbing her wet nose against my neck.
"You little menace."
Poppy answered, shoving her head under my chin and purring so loudly I could feel the vibration.
I buried my face in her fur.
"You disappeared," I mumbled against her ear, squeezing her closer. "I thought Phil took you. Or that you got lost in this massive house."
Poppy stretched dramatically.
