《The (Black Smoke)*Working Title*》


 Chapter 1: "It鈥檚 Always Greener..."

    On the other side, they say, it¡¯s always greener. But if you ask me, it¡¯s just slightly gray. We¡¯re supposed to find the bright side of things, sure life can be bright but I how bright can be something you can''t predict


    For some people, sure, it is. But for us? I think we¡¯re stuck on the simple life. We did not choose it, if anything it chose us, What do you think?


    A sharp breath comes from the black-and-white cat lying next to me, his eyes full of more hope than anyone should ever have. It tries to purr, but it comes out as a strained, high-pitched screech.


    I guess for you, every day you¡¯re alive is a little greener. I can''t even bear the sight of you. I¡¯m not sure why they gave you to me. They say it¡¯s to teach me responsibility,


    but I¡¯m already taking care of Grandpa¡¯s farm. He¡¯s got animals. I don¡¯t need some damn cat borrowing his borrowed time.


    The cat lets out another faint screech.


    I think you would have a much better life with mom and dad not with me,


    How much better could my life be if they did not make me move, you think I want to live here. what choice did I have they basically kicked me out, I defiantly don''t want to take care of a sickly cat, gritting my teeth as I say it.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.I have friends, I just graduated I do not even get a chance to pick my life. How could this be good for me that is what they kept saying I will understand when I am older well I understand now that this is just unfair.


    the cat walks up to me laying his head on my lap, I raise my hand to strike the cat, but I see this pitiful creature and put my hand down on his side.


    they did not even give you a name they left it up to me well We¡¯ve gotta name you something. You can¡¯t just be ¡®cat,¡¯ right?. It¡¯s gotta have meaning, I think it should at least. You¡¯re my first pet.


    I look down at its soft fur, when my parents brought you home you were really bad looking how did your fur stay so god damm soft. How about... Fluffy?


    The cat screeches again, clearly not a fan.


    You don''t like that one, huh? Well, you wheeze a lot. How about Wheezey?


    The cat bites my hand, his fangs tickle my hand. He couldn''t even break the skin if he tried. OW! Fine, fine. Let¡¯s see... When my parents found you, you were beat up pretty bad. What about... Scratch?


    The cat looks up at me with wide eyes, then licks my hand, as if agreeing. Scratch it is.


    We¡¯re almost there. Just a few more miles, Scratch. Then we can see our new home.

 Sweet Home

    My eyes open, Scratch is on my chest panting, sparkles in his eyes ready to start this new day. After the morning routine of stretching, eating breakfast, and feeding Scratch. I go outside and start to tend to the animals. As I head outside, I notice the mailbox flag raised, signaling there¡¯s something urgent inside. I open it to see a singular letter, written on the front ¡°Mom¡± I open up the letter to read.


    ¡°Hello Dontae,


    Your father and I miss you. We have not heard from you in months, we know taking care of your slice of life isn''t easy, however next time you come to Lint City for a supply run make sure to stop by we have a surprise for you.


    Love mom¡±.


    Another gift, are they trying to ease their guilt. I did not want to be here in the first place. I am not sure if I even want to see them, it is getting better but I am getting so mad just thinking about it. First they gave me Scratch thinking I would be too lonely. What makes me lonely is leaving me in the middle of nowhere with animals to take care of all day so I can''t leave if I want. Scratch is growing on me but it is not the same. He needs more help than someone deserves. I hated this place even as a kid. I am starting to understand why grandpa never left, starting my day tending to the chickens getting their eggs, making sure they''re fed and replacing their water. Then taking care of the pigs, filling up their trough with yesterday''s scraps, making sure their mud is nice and wet. Maybe I do like the simple life but it should not have been forced on me. I promised my parents I would take good care of his pet cow Pinto. Why Pinto was his pet compared to all his other animals I do not understand. I want to save enough to afford a bull to carry on her legacy, which is my grandpas in a way. Scratch may be a simple cat who loves attention, but caring for him comes with its hardships. I just wish it was not a struggle for him to move. I don''t really know why my parents gave me him to live on a farm, especially with his breathing condition. He can only move so much before he tuckers out. I continue to work when I see the clouds start rolling in. There must be some storm so I get Pinto and the pigs in the barn, and all the chickens and their coop. I''m waiting inside wiping the sweat off my brow finishing another hard day worth of work. Scratch fell asleep on my bed which I don''t usually allow but he was just so tired there was no use in moving him. How could I move him? He looked so peaceful. For the first time in a long time he does not sound like he is in pain. sleeping on a cloud of bliss and happiness. Inside the comfort of my own home I see the storm starting to get closer. looking more like a fog but a fog of something I''ve never seen before, just swallowing the land and all the light that touches it as if darkness is creeping in closer and closer. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.