My first instinct was that Alex had been scammed, and I dragged him back to demand a refund.
But he stopped me. He said this kitten was the runt of the litter.
It could never fight for milk. Its siblings bullied it constantly.
The kitten's situation reminded him of himself as a child—overlooked by his parents. So he brought it home, hoping I'd raise it well and help it grow strong.
Hearing that, my heart softened. I promised him I'd take good care of it.
He got emotional, a complete mess, and even suggested naming it using the first letters of our names.
I agreed happily. That's how we named the kitten Cheese.
But Cheese's health was just too fragile. Not long after we brought it home, it died.
Alex happened to be away on a business trip.
I was afraid he'd be heartbroken, so I made the decision on my own—I bought another kitten of the same breed with a similar look.
When it arrived, I realized the two kittens were obviously different.
But I'd already bought it. I couldn't just abandon it.
I was still nervous, worried Alex would notice when he got back.
But he didn't. He even said Cheese seemed much healthier now.
Looking back, it's almost funny.