I Won’t Stop My Best Friend Keeping A Manul

The bloodied manul lay sprawled in the flowerbed.

My best friend, Raines Grant, gently stroked its head.

“Molly, it’s hurt! Look how adorable it is! I’m taking it home to care for it.”

A crowd had gathered nearby, but no one dared approach.

Raines stared at me with a malicious look in her eyes.

She knew I was allergic to cat dander.

Seeing my lack of reaction, she pressed on. “It’s so pitiful! Molly, you wouldn’t just stand by and let it die, would you?”

I gave a cursory nod. “If you want to keep it, go ahead.”

Raines’ smile froze on her face.

Our neighbor, Jake, leaned in to advise me against keeping the manul. “This cat looks different from ordinary cats. It might not turn out well.”

I knew Jake meant well. He hoped I would refuse.

In my past life, I had done exactly that, only to end up with my family destroyed.

Thinking of all that happened before, my heart ached.

This time around, I absolutely would not meddle in someone else’s affairs.

If Raines wanted to keep it, then I would let her keep it.

Seeing my lack of reaction, Raines became bolder.

“You know I often have to work late, attend social events, and travel for business! I need your help to look after it. You’re such a kind person. You wouldn’t refuse, would you?”

Meeting her earnest gaze, I stepped forward and stroked the manul’s head.

“Of course not.”

My best friend’s expression changed. She was clearly taken aback by my response.

Before she could say anything more, I stood up and left.

“I still have some work. I’ll be going now.”

I hurried back to the office.

Sitting at my desk, I felt a rush of relief, like I had dodged a bullet.

I worked late into the night, then returned home to find my friend still out.

She had tossed the manul into a broken flowerpot she had picked up. There was no water, no food, and no bandages for it.

The pot was too small. It was curled up inside, with barely enough space to turn over.

Seeing me home alone, Jake pulled me aside and whispered, “That cat looks strange. It’s probably some kind of vicious beast! You should talk to Raines and get rid of it while you still can.”

I smiled and asked, “Why don’t you talk to her yourself?”

“If I say anything, she’ll just lash out. She’ll only listen to you.”

“So, you’re making me the bad guy because you’re afraid to provoke her?”

I noticed the manul’s pointed ears twitching. It was probably eavesdropping.

I chuckled and said, “Kitties are adorable! It might turn out lucky.”

Jake’s face paled as he waved his hands frantically. “You’re not listening to reason! You’re going to regret this!”

I shoved him out the door. “If you’re that worried, go convince Raines to turn away the kitten by yourself.”

Seeing that I would not budge, Jake’s face darkened.

Just then, Raines returned. Jake did not dare say another word and hurried away.

In the dead of night, I was jolted awake by Raines knocking on my door.

“Molly, the cat’s tearing everything apart! Did you forget to feed it?”

I mumbled sleepily, “I didn’t even eat dinner myself. How could I remember?”

The manul continued its rampage. It sent the pots and pans crashing to the floor.

Raines finally snapped. She wrapped it in an old shirt and tossed it aside dismissively. “Be quiet! I’ll feed you tomorrow.”

But it kept tearing things apart and growling.

Raines lost her patience. She grabbed it and hurled it to the floor.

It must have lost consciousness because it finally fell silent.