Chapter 3
As Link opened the door to his row house, several stray cats ran in around his feet. Link was somewhat startled, but quickly rounded them up.
"Now, now, guys, you know you can't com in," he scolded as he set them down on the stoop and quickly closed the door. "Just hang on one second, and I'll get you some food." He was halfway across the room when he saw the picture on the table. It was of his father. Link walked over and picked the picture up. Then he closed his eyes, remembering.
Ever since he could recall, his father had been a cop. Link had been so proud of his dad for keeping the city safe. In fact, he still was. But his father had been far from perfect. It seemed like he never had enough time for Link; his job always came first. He was never very attentive to Link, and believed him to be too young to handle things. The words Link most associated with his father were, "Maybe when you're older, son."
Link felt a tear trickle down his face. All he wanted was for his father to be proud of him. When he joined the police force, his father had finally recognized his accomplishments. Link smiled slightly. Fighting crime side by side, things had been wonderful. Drug lord Jack Commer had changed all that. Link felt another wave of sadness wash over him. Commer had gotten the chair for murder, but Link's father was still dead.
Link's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a scratching on his from door and a loud meowing. His eyes snapped open. He had completely forgotten about his "pets." Gently setting the picture down, he headed to the kitchen, calling, "Hang on, I'll get your food!" He grabbed a container of leftovers from his fridge, and went back to the door. Quickly stepping through and closing it behind him, he surveyed the small mob that had gathered on his front steps. A multitude of cats, several dogs, and even a few pigeons waited expectantly. Chuckling softly, he emptied the container across the steps and sat down to watch the ensuing scramble.
Watching the animals gathered around him brought back more memories, and he continued to reminisce. Ever since he was a small child he had an affinity for animals, and vice versa. He had never really been without a pet, mainly because some stray animal would follow him home. His father allowed him to keep it, as long as Link took care of it. He had no official pet now, but all the animals on his doorstep had to count for something.
His camaraderie with animals even led several of his fellow officers to suggest he enlist in the special branch of police force that used dogs as partners. Link had never pursued it, however. It was an interesting idea, but he never felt right about putting animals in harm's way. His heart was just too big for that.
The animals finished everything he had given them, but nevertheless stayed where they were, gathered around him like an attentive audience, glad to merely be in his presence. Link looked up at the sky as he petted the ones closest to him. The rest of the day was his, but what to do with it? Read a book, maybe go to bed early. His sole hobby was his job- his father's encouragement was the cause of that. But his lack of social life was his own doing. He never really felt comfortable talking with anyone but those closest to him. And he avoided group situations because he felt so… different.
Link sighed and got up, rubbing his pointed ears. Then he slipped through his door, leaving the animals to their own whims. Maybe Link would go straight to bed. He was weary of thinking.