“That’s a nice looking cat you’ve got there,” Steven said to the innkeeper.

The innkeeper flicked his eyes towards the cat who lounged on the worn, wooden porch outside the office before nodding. The cat didn’t seem to be paying any attention to the two men as he dozed in the sun. “Yeah, just don’t pay attention to what he says to you.”

Steven raised an eyebrow. “Says to me?”

The innkeeper nodded, agreeing with his question. “Yeah, cat says some wild things.”

“Sure. Thanks for the tip.” Steven picked up the key off the counter and turned to leave before he changed his mind about staying here. It was the only place he could afford in this town. The last stop before he’d have to drag himself home and plea for mercy at his parents’ feet. He shook his head and straightened his back as he walked out the office and out onto the porch. His boots made dull thuds against the boards and the cat opened one yellow eye.

His door was opposite where the cat lay. Steven had a soft spot for cats and tried to open the door as quiet as possible to not disturb him. He needn’t have bothered. As soon as the door was open the cat lunged in before Steven could cross the threshold.

“Hey now!” Steven said as much in surprise as annoyance. “You ain’t supposed to be in my room.”

“I can go wherever I want,” said the cat.

Steven sat hard in the chair by the door and shook his head. “Tireder than I thought.”

“You may be tired, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’re talking. My name is Alexander, by the by.” The cat waited until Steven looked up at him before continuing. “Now, it looks like you need a change of fortune and I need someone with opposable thumbs.” The cat walked out the door and glanced back over his shoulder.

“You coming or not?” the cat asked and smiled when Steven stepped onto the porch.