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The sage of Milo and Billows the Cat

As Milo shifted his hand, Mr. Billow’s let out a low growl which caused Milo to flinch back.  While Milo no doubt looked like a man who had been punched several times in his life, I never would have pegged him as a person concerned about the odd actions of a shop cat.

“What is with you and the cat?” I asked, nodding towards the way Billow began to edge towards Milo.  He only stopped when Hazel petted him, leaning down to place a kiss within his fluffy grey fur.

“It’s a demon,” Milo said.

Hazel’s eyes snapped upwards. “He is not, Milo Next. You take that back.”

“I won’t. That cat straight up is a monster.”

“You stepped on his tail,” Hazel protested.

“Nearly ten years ago!” Billows swiped out as if to hit Milo for the tone of his voice. “See? Look at it. What cat does that? That is not a normal cat. That is a demon straight from the icy pits of the underworld, sent here to make my life a living hell and nearly make me bleed out.”

“You were fine,” Hazel said firmly.  I didn’t think it was possible for her face to become irritated, but apparently when it came to Milo and Mr. Billows, it did rather quickly.

“He shredded my damn leg,” Milo continued his rant. “I didn’t even see him, and he shredded my damn leg. I apologized and everything.”

I blinked at the argument, not having known what my simple question could have even done.  “I’m suddenly sorry I asked,” I muttered.