**An Uninvited Guest**
Today, Emily moved into her own flat. It might be small and on the outskirts of Manchester, but that didnt matter. The ground floor of the three-storey building was so low that stepping out into the yard was as easy as climbing over the windowsill. The twelve-square-metre room barely fit a bed, a wardrobe, a coffee table, and two chairs. The kitchen was just big enough for a counter, a sink cabinet, a stooland that was it. Nothing else would squeeze in. A tiny place, but hers.
Emily had bought it with her share of the inheritance from her aunt, who had adored her niece for her easygoing nature and willingness to help. The money hadnt stretched farjust enough for this little flat. There hadnt been any other options in the city at that price.
Lovely flat, plenty of light, great location, the estate agent had said. Perfect for one.
For one, yes, Emily had agreed. But I still need to figure out where to put a fridge
The whole day had been spent scrubbing, dusting, and tidying. By evening, everything gleamed, her belongings were neatly arranged, and the kettle whistled on the stove. Plates and mugs lined the wide windowsill. Emily paced the flat, trying to calculate where the promised refrigerator might fit.
Night fell. Tea was drunk, but the fridge remained homeless.
Climbing into bed, Emily pulled the duvet over herself. Outside, crickets chirped, lulling her to sleep.
A crash from the kitchen jerked her awake. She grabbed her phonethree in the morning. Dark. Still night. Burglars? A ghost? Or just the wind?
On tiptoe, she crept to the kitchen door and peered inside.
The dishes from the windowsill lay scattered across the floor. Her favourite mug had split cleanly in twoand between the halves sat a cat.
An ordinary tabby, but enormous. It stared at her calmly.
Where did you come from?
The cat flicked its gaze toward the open window.
Well, hop back out! She waved her hands at it. In response, the cat leapt past her, landed on the bed, and settled in.
Morning found them as reluctant roommates: Emily slumped on a chair, the cat sprawled across her bed. At six, the uninvited guest stretched, yawned, and sauntered off.
The day passed in more unpacking and arranging. By evening, Emily remembered her visitor. She stowed the dishes in the cabinet and latched the window, convinced that would keep the scruffy intruder out.
Yet at exactly three a.m., rustling came from outside. There he was, perched on the window ledge, pressing his forehead against the glass, fixing her with a stern glare.
Stay there, then, she muttered, turning back to bed.
Morning brought a weight on her legs. Emily stirred and opened her eyesthe cat lay draped over her feet.
Oh, you She grabbed a pillow, but he merely yawned and sauntered toward the now-open windowwhich shed definitely shut the night before.
The next night, Emily decided to catch him in the act. She turned off the lights, perched by the window on a chair, and watched the darkened yard. Trees swayed, crickets hummed, her eyelids grew heavy, and warmth seeped into her limbs
She woke with a start, still in the chair. The cat purred loudly on her lap.
Fine, she sighed. If I cant beat you, Ill join you. Every home needs a man, I suppose.
After that, the cat stayedday and night.
When the fridge finally arrived, Emily still hadnt decided where to put it. The cat solved that. He flopped into a corner of the hallway and yowled. Measurements confirmed it was the perfect spot.
His new throne became the fridge itselfsleeping, eating, grooming, practically living up there.
One evening, he grew restless. He paced around the fridge, jumped up, fussed, then down again, over and over, before finally freezing in a regal pose.
Had enough? Emily asked. Good. Sleep. So will I.
The cat didnt move.
Then, a shriek shattered the night.
He sat atop the fridge, howlinglouder than any siren.
Whats wrong? Are you hurt?
He arched his back, wailing, ignoring her pleas. Thensuddenlyhe leapt down and pressed against her leg. At the same moment, sparks crackled behind the fridge. Smoke curled up. The cat bolted to the door, clawing franticallyoutside, the circuit breaker. Emily flipped the switch, killing the power, then flung open the windows.
Electrician tomorrow, she muttered. But for nowsleep. Thank you, you silly thing. Who knows what wouldve happened without you?
Come morning, the cat was gone.
And he didnt return that evening.
Or the next day.
Some called it coincidence. Others said her aunt had sent him. But Emily knewhed been her guardian angel. Hed walked into her flat, and her life, with too much purpose to be anything else.
