June 14th, 2020 8:29

"Ruby, I'm hungry." Adam's quiet murmur reminded Ruby that they hadn't eaten since the night before. "I know, buddy." the crimson haired woman said sympathetically. "As soon as we find refuge we can eat, ok?" Adam nodded weakly, continuing to follow his babysitter hand-in-hand with Kirsten, who held Ruby's left hand. In the woman's right hand she held her music stand, her pistol containing only two bullets packed safely in her holster.

A sudden rustle from some nearby garbage cans caused Ruby to turn, pulling the two children behind her before raletting go of Kirsten's hand and wielding her music stand with both of her's. "Stay. Behind me." she ordered the children, who obeyed without question. A few moments passed without further noise, but Ruby wasn't convinced. She slowly crept forward, children close behind. Suddenly, a shape emerged from inside one of the garbage cans, causing Ruby to jump back, brandishing her music stand dangerously. The shape leapt from the can with a sound none of them had heard in months.

"Meow!"

The cat sat in front of the garbage can, bright green eyes staring expectantly at the woman who'd nearly beat him with a music stand. His dark brown fur was disgusting and matted, his single white paw now a light, murky brown. "Meow!"

Ruby slowly lowered her stand, examining the cat with excrutiatingly specific perameters in mind. She'd know those eyes anywhere. "N-Neal?" At the sound of his name, the disheveled cat meowed again, standing and trotting over to his owner. "Neal!" Ruby laughed quietly, setting the stand down beside her as she crouched down to pet her beloved cat. Kirsten crouched beside Ruby, reaching out to pet Neal as well. "Hey, Neal! Long time, no see!" Neal nuzzled against the three humans he'd played with for years.

Ruby had adopted Neal as as kitten with the money she'd earned from babysitting Kirsten. She would bring the kit when she went over to the Williams' after school, and KK absolutely loved him. Her own cat, Shadow, got along with the rambuntious younger cat, as well. When Ruby had followed the Williams' to Georgia, Neal had, of course, tagged along. Luckily, Ruby had been able to find an apartment that allowed pets nearby the Williams' new home, and had settled in rather quickly. Soon after the move, however, Shadow passed away from old age. Neal was one of the only things that could cheer Kirsten up. Adam, on the other hand, had been terrified of Neal at first. With all of the health problems he had, he was afraid that Neal would make him sick. But the friendly feline was persisitant, and soon the two were playing just like old friends.

When the Walker's had started showing up, Neal had dissapeared in the first major fight, and Ruby thought he was gone forever; what kind of cat could survive something like that? But here he was, alive and well, defying all Ruby believed to be true about him and purring as he rubbed against his companions. "How did he survive this long?" the crimson haired woman murmured under her breath. Kirsten and Adam didn't hear her, too busy petting Neal as he purred loudly, nuzzling their hands and legs. "Alright you guys, let's go." Ruby stated, patting her shoulder. "But what ab-" Adam broke off as Neal leapt onto Ruby's shoulders. "You -uf- didn't think I'd -Neal!- leave Neal be - Stop!- behind, did ya?" Ruby stated, twisting her head around as Neal rammed his face into her's. Adam and Kirsten grinned at each other before taking one another by the hand. "C'mon!" Ruby grabbed Kirsten's free hand, pulling the children along with renewed spirits.