"I didn't know," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I didn't know any of this."
Baxter let out a soft whine and nudged my elbow.
I reached out slowly, gently, and the mother cat didn't resist. I stroked her fur. She was warm, her heartbeat fast and steady under my hand.
"You trusted her, didn't you?" I murmured. "And she took care of you."
I stayed like that for a long time, just watching them breathe. The silence wasn't heavy like it had been back at the house. It wasn't haunted — it was peaceful and full.
"You trusted her, didn't you?"
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