This was it. His weeks (well, week) of careful planning had led to this. While Abraxas very much doubted the man would actually deny him a kitten, the eleven-year-old was still afraid he might say the wrong thing and accomplish just that. He faltered for a moment before responding, "I'm here for a kitten. Or any cat that suits, I suppose."

It was not, under the circumstances, likely to be the most startling revelation. Another moment and then, "But I am not entirely sure how to go about choosing one."