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I think it means they are here.

‘Do you know what they are?’

No. But I know how you can find out.

‘I’m scared. Once I open it, I’ll find out if I have a chance at the future I want, or if it’s the nightmare death sentence.’ He wanted to see Mia. To have her by his side. But it would either make things a million per cent better, or unbearably worse.

What do you want to do?

‘Set light to it in one of the smudging bowls.’

What would that achieve? Would it change the result?

‘I wish. But it might delay it. Then I could not think about it, and could have a few more days with Mia.’

It makes me laugh that you humans think you are the smartest species on the planet. You make beautiful things and cook tasty treats, but us fur-kin are much smarter. If knowing the results changes things, then open it and learn the outcome.

‘It’s not that simple. I know the future Mia wants – a family, with children.’

So build her a den and give her lots of kittens.

‘If this letter is bad news, then I can’t.’

Why?

‘It just… I can’t.’ He didn’t know how to explain to a cat that, in all good conscience, he couldn’t have children when he knew there was a high chance he’d pass on a hideous disease. At best, he’d force them to witness his decline and take on all the stress of trying to look after him, which would be beyond unfair – to any children and Mia. How did he explain that, if he was positive, he didn’t see any future in which there wasn’t pain for her? It was one thing for people to promise ‘in sickness and in health’ in a fit of matrimonial optimism when you genuinely believed you might be granted good health – but when you knew what was coming? It was a painful lie no one should have to face. Cats didn’t think like that. ‘I have to protect her.’

Even if it hurts you?

‘I’d rather break my heart into pieces than see her hurt once.’

‘That sounds ominous.’ Ophelia joined them from the kitchen. ‘Anything I should worry about? Oh… is that it?’ She pointed to the letter.

‘I think so.’

‘Then why are you still here? Go find Mia!’

‘I can’t, she’ll be working.’

‘She gets breaks. And it’s nearly lunchtime.’

‘I can’t leave Glimmers.’

‘You mean the store I own? Yes, you can. Bother off. And good luck!’

Mia looked up as Aiden walked into reception. ‘Hello.’

‘Hi.’

‘This is a nice surprise.’ She hesitated, realising something was off. ‘Is everything OK?’ When he didn’t immediately answer, she smiled brightly. ‘Do you want to go for a walk?’

‘Yeah, that’d be good, thanks.’

‘Just let me grab my coat.’ She raced back to her office, grabbed her coat and bag, and headed back to meet him before he changed his mind. She didn’t know what was bothering him, but there was definitely something wrong.

He smiled and offered his hand. She took it gratefully, and followed him to the park, making polite chit-chat until they found a quiet bench beneath a tree. She leaned over to kiss him. He kissed her back, just as she’d expected, but seemed distracted. ‘OK, tell me what’s going on.’

From a pocket, he pulled out an envelope that looked like it had been folded, refolded, fidgeted with and folded again.