As Demeter told her story, Bombalurina held her and rubbed her back. Half way through, Demeter began to cry; once the tears had started, they never stopped. Eventually, she cried herself to sleep, like she had so many times before; this time though, it was like releasing everything pent up inside her. It felt good.

When Demeter awoke the next morning it took her a minute to remember where she was, but then it hit her. She was safe, she was in Bombalurina's den, and there was a nice warm patch of sunlight riiiiight where she was lying. Demeter stretched and relaxed. Why get up yet? She was comfortable, she was…

"Waaaake up sleepy head! It's almost noon!"

…being forced to get up.

Groan "Five more minutes? Please?"

"Sorry love, cats can't tell time."

"Can you pretend you can? For me?"

"No can do. Jenny wants to take a look at that tail of yours and Munkustrap wants to introduce you to Skimbleshanks."

Demeter threw a murderous look at Bombalurina (it was she who woke Demeter up) and reluctantly got up. She could always sleep later.

Jenny moved Demeter's tail one way. "Does this hurt dear?" she asked.

"No" came Demeter's answer. Jenny moved the tail another way. "How about"

"Ouch!" Demeter yelped.

"Okay then. Your ribs have healed up nicely, bruises are beginning to fade, but your tail is still broken at the end." Jenny concluded her examination. "And here comes my tom!" she said, looking over Demeter's shoulder. Demeter turned around to see an orange and white striped tom with a waistcoat and a pocket watch dangling from it. He gave his mate a kiss and then held a paw out to Demeter. "It's a pleasure to meet you dear." He said with a noticeable Scottish burl. "I've heard so much about you from everybody already. 'Have you met Demeter yet?' they've all said. 'She's the sweetest thing.' they've all said." Demeter smiled and held out her paw, but instead of shaking it, Skimble bent down and kissed it. Demeter shrieked and withdrew her paw.

"I'm so sorry m'dear," Skimble apologized. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"Skimble's just an old-fashioned gentleman." Jenny explained. Demeter blushed.

"It – it's not that. He, uh, sparked my paw. No, it's very nice to meet you too sir."

Skimble waved that away. "No need to call me sir. I'm not an old tom yet. Well, I can see you're anxious to go out so don't let me keep you." Demeter smiled at him – a real, genuine smile – and went to find a sunny napping spot. As they watched her leave, Skimble turned to Jenny and said "She is the sweetest thing!"

this entire chapter is dedicated to jelliclesoul635 who was my one reviewer. thankyouuuuuu!!!!!