By the time Clint joined her outside the kitten had finished its food and was batting playfully at the crochet mouse that Natasha dangled before it. She was not the type to be easily taken in by things that others found ‘adorable’, but it was definitely a different smile she wore as she played with the kitten, one not easily brushed away.

Looking up at Clint as he approached, she let the little one catch the mouse and released the little yarn tail before straightening back up. Gratefully taking the water she uncapped it and took a few gulps, closing her eyes as the cool liquid soothed her parched throat.

“She’s a hungry little one,” she said, twisting the cap back on her water. “I was thinking... perhaps tomorrow we could look into a veterinarian...” Besides being dirty, under nourished and a little roughed up, the kitten looked healthy enough, but she wanted to be sure.