Shane marched into the animal shelter purposefully. She wasnt going to fight with Alice, but that didnt mean she couldnt do anything to get herself on Danas good side.

Can I help you? a gray-haired woman asked with a smile, stepping out from behind the counter.

Um, yeah. I, like, need a cat, Shane replied.

Have you ever owned a cat before? the woman asked, beginning to walk and motioning for Shane to follow.

Actually, its for a friend. Her cat died, Shane explained, obediently following a few steps behind her.

Thats nice of you to do, the woman commented, leading Shane to a row of cages. So, is there any particular kind of cat you think shed like?

Uhhh…I dont know, Shane admitted.

Well, what sort of cat did she have before?

I dont know. He was, like, brownish and he purred a lot. He also slept a lot, Shane said helpfully.

I suggest a kitten for you friend. Here are some here. Just take a look and pick out one that catches your eye, the woman suggest, gesturing to a row of cages.

Shane peered thoughtfully into the first cage, unsure of how to choose. Moving on to the next cage, she spotted a small white ball of fur sleeping peacefully. This ones kind of cute, she commented as the kitten opened its large green eyes and yawned.

Very good choice, the woman commented. Hes a real sweetheart.

The kitten eyed Shane and stretched lazily. He walked over to his water bowl, accidentally stepping in it, getting himself all wet and causing Shane to laugh. Just like Dana, she muttered to herself, watching as the cat stumbled clumsily, trying to shake the water off, looking confused about what to do next. And he was white, which was somewhat innocent, which reminded her of Dana as well. Ill take him, she said decisively, turning to smile brightly at the woman.

*********************************************

Alice squinted into the distance at the back of a figure walking away in the opposite direction. From the back, the woman with the cat carrier almost looked like Shane. Nah, it couldnt be. What would Shane be doing leaving the animal shelter with a carrier? Alice dismissed the thought, pushing open the door to the animal shelter.