Andy curled up tightly on the highest perch of his cat tree, his grey and white fur blending with the afternoon shadows. His new world was quiet and safe, a far cry from the bustling, noisy streets he'd known before. Below, Mum's nurse bag sat by the door while Dad’s police hat rested on a hook, reminders of the love and care that now filled his days. Every time either parent returned, Andy would stretch luxuriously, always ready for snuggles with one or the other.

Andy[/@ch_1] tiptoes around corners. Houseplants add splashes of green, and the faint sound of music floats from the kitchen.] Andy loved investigating every nook and cranny, his nose twitching at new scents and his tail flicking with excitement. Sometimes, he’d leap onto the bookshelf just to watch the world from above, feeling like a king surveying his kingdom. When music played, Andy couldn’t help but let out a melodious meow, harmonizing with the tunes. And after a good meal, he’d race to his litter box, leaving behind a stinky surprise before rolling up like a donut for a nap.

Andy blinked from his perch, puzzled at the strange object Mum cradled so tenderly. He crept closer, sniffing the air—was it a new toy from Kmart? But suddenly, the bundle squirmed and let out a piercing cry, startling Andy so much that he scampered under the bed. From his hiding spot, he watched as Mum and Dad cooed over the tiny human, their faces glowing with joy and exhaustion.

Andy[/@ch_1]’s bed.] Later that evening, Mum knelt beside Andy, offering him the baby’s blanket. Andy sniffed it suspiciously, but the scent was warm and comforting, almost like home. "It’s okay, Andy. He’s part of our family now," Mum whispered softly. As Andy curled up on the blanket, the baby's cries echoed through the night, and he wondered if things would ever be quiet again.

Andy[/@ch_1] lounges nearby.] As the baby, now called George, grew, he became even more curious—just like the monkey Andy had seen on TV. Crawling on all fours, George would giggle and reach for Andy’s tail, pulling a little too hard. Andy yelped and hissed, his fur puffing up, and George’s face crumpled in surprise, tears streaming down his cheeks. Mum hurried over, soothing both with gentle words and a reassuring hug.

Andy[/@ch_1] and George chase each other in circles.] Over time, Andy learned that George wasn’t so scary after all. Sometimes they played together, George giggling as Andy darted under the couch or batted at a feather toy. As George grew steadier on his feet, he learned to pet Andy gently, and sometimes they would even nap side by side, their breathing slow and peaceful. At night, when the house was calm, Andy would get the zoomies, racing through the hallways, sometimes waking George, who would join in with sleepy laughter.

Andy[/@ch_1] gather on the living room rug. There’s warmth, comfort, and the gentle promise of new adventures.] Andy nestled close to his family, his once shy heart now full of love and belonging. He knew the house would never be quiet again, but that was okay—because together, they made the best kind of noise.