These little stories from the life of the cat owner are inspired by real stories about cats, but also invented and mixed with Neko Atsume elements. I hope you will enjoy!
She crossed the street, hand in her pockets. It was the middle of the night, and the wind picked up its pace, tugging at her punk jacket and her hair. Unfazed by the wind's attempt to hold her back, she shouldered up the door to the pet store.
Except for the cashier, no one was inside. It smelled of tuna and rabbit hay. In a corner, mice shuffled through tiny tunnels in a huge cage.
Exploring the shelves, she finally found it: A big pack of Ritzy Bitz. Her cats loved Ritzy Bitz. She snatched a Buy Two Pay One pack from the shelf, turned, headed for the counter. The cashier smiled their usual smile. A little nice, a little eerie. Their long nails scratched over the keys of the old cash register.
For a moment, the eyes of the cashier seemed to reflect the light in an odd way.
Scratch. Scratch.
She stared at the cashier's face. Their nose looked strangely flat from this angle.
"That would be six dollar and twenty."
The voice was husky, rolling the r in a disturbingly purring fashion.
"Sure," she answered, handing over a ten dollar note. The cashier took it delicately between two long nails and smiled, showing beautiful white teeth and very prominent canines.
She took a step back, all her senses prickling. Her eyes met the teasing gaze of the cashier. Slim pupils set into yellow irises watched her with what seemed evil amusement. Taking her cans of Ritzy Bitz swiftly from the counter, she turned and made for the exit.
"Keep the change," she stammered, pulling open the door just so much she could squeeze through.
She ran over the street, breathless. When she reached the other side, she turned and stole a glance back at the pet store.
Her heart hammered in her chest. Surely, she just imagined things.
Yes. That must be it.