The cat is scratching at the door.

I climb carefully out of bed, and walk over to the large, dark wooden doors to let her in. She struts inside, rubs her head against my leg, and purrs sweetly. Smiling, I stoop down and pick her up.

Her purrs grow in warmth and volume as I pat her head, and scratch the bridge of her nose. "I don't even know your name, little kitty cat," I whisper as I continue to pet her silky fur.

"Lithuania!"

The cat lets out a short, annoyed meow when I drop her. I hurriedly scoop her up again, apologizing with several quick, deliberate strokes. "Ya?"

I turn both my body and my eyes towards the one who called my name. He's propped himself up in bed with his arm so that the covers slide off, revealing his entire chest, and almost- just almost- something else. "Come back to bed."

I look down at the cat, "Uhh…." Why doesn't he wear pajamas? "Okay, just let me—"

"Uhg! What is that cat doing here? Throw it outside." He gestures towards the snow covered window.

I pull her a little closer to me, "But, Poland…"

"I'm sick of that stupid animal scratching at my door! Get rid of it, won't you?" He collapses, curling up under the thick white comforter.

I frown, and turn to leave.

"Oh, and Lithy?

My grip tightens slightly on the kitten.

"Hurry back."

I repress a shiver, and mutter—halfway to Poland halfway to myself—"I think she's just hungry…" Before he can respond, I close the door behind me.

For a moment I just stand there, feeling for the first time all day that I can really breathe. I hurry across the hall and down the stairs.

I just need two minutes away from him.

Once I reach the kitchen, I set the cat down, and pour her a bowl of milk. She licks it up enthusiastically.

I lean back against the counter, and sigh.

I don't know how I feel about Poland. He seems to be so affectionate one moment, and a complete dick the next. And I would try to focus on the affectionate side, but whenever I do it just makes me uncomfortable.

Once the cat finishes her milk, she nudges her head against my leg again.

This marriage was arranged.

I pour her some more milk.

What makes him think that we're supposed to act like a normal married couple?

She laps up the milk eagerly—vigorously.

We barely know each other…

"When was the last time you were fed little kitty cat?"

I did not want to marry him.

Once the cat has finished her second bowl, she begins to clean herself, seeming content.

And I don't want to be married to him now…

I pick her up, and stroke her repeatedly, more for my own sake then hers.

"I suppose we just have to make the best of things, hmm kitty cat?" I stumble into the living room, tiredness weighing down my eyelids. I set the cat down on the couch, "Now, you must stay here kitty—Poland will be very upset with you if you scratch at the door again, okay?"

In response, she scratches her neck with her back paw.

I sigh. "Very well… goodnight." I give her a farewell pat, "I think I'm going to call you… Scratch."

I leave her stretched out on the couch. My feet move slowly up the stairs. Once I reach the second floor I pause, and yawn. The long hall ahead of me is dotted with doors. The one farthest from me is the largest—the one that leads to Poland's room... that is, our room.

Nobody lives in these other rooms. They're just… there.

As I walk the hallway, I realize that these empty rooms are causing me stress. I'm not sure why. They're just so… empty. Once I reach the dark doors, I enter the bedroom, and crawl onto my side of the bed, careful not to disturb Poland.

But he's already awake.

Without a word Poland slips his little hand into mine. I frown for a moment at this, but then I tell myself, it is an... appropriate gesture, for once. I give his hand a slight squeeze, and let sleep wash over me.