Brandon carefully pipes the last swirl of frosting onto the cake’s tail, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Derek snaps a photo with his phone, grinning at the uncanny resemblance between the cake and the real cat.
Marcus leans over, whispering, "That cake is so lifelike it’s almost creepy. I can’t believe you pulled it off, Brandon."
"Thanks, Marcus! This will be hilarious. Wait until the cat sees me cut it," he replies, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Derek nudges Marcus, whispering, "Do you think the cat will even notice? It’s just cake, after all."
"Oh, she’ll notice. Cats are smarter than you think," Marcus replies, eyes gleaming with amusement.
Brandon lifts a gleaming silver knife, theatrically positioning it above the cake’s head.
Brandon[/@ch_1] slices through the cake’s ear, a hush falls over the group. The knife glides smoothly, revealing layers of moist chocolate beneath the flawless gray frosting. The real cat’s eyes go wide, its tail puffing up as it stares in horrified disbelief, unable to comprehend the scene before it.]
"First cut goes to me! Sorry, kitty—nothing personal," Brandon jokes, grinning at the group.
The cat lets out a startled yowl, scrambling backwards and nearly knocking over a stack of napkins.
Derek[/@ch_2] manages to snap a blurry photo of the fleeing feline, while Marcus clutches his sides, doubled over with laughter.]
"I’ve never seen a cat move that fast. I think you scarred it for life, Brandon!"
"If I were her, I’d be terrified too. Imagine seeing your own head get sliced off," Marcus wheezes, tears of mirth streaming down his face.
"Come on, kitty, it’s just cake. See? Delicious, not dangerous," Brandon coaxes, holding out a morsel of frosting on his finger.
After a moment’s hesitation, the cat sniffs the air, then delicately licks the treat, its fear slowly melting into curiosity.
Marcus[/@ch_3]’s lap, purrs softly. The memory of the cake, the laughter, and the startled cat becomes a new family legend.]
"Next time, maybe bake a cake shaped like a mouse. The cat would probably thank you," Derek suggests with a smirk.
"Only if Marcus promises not to eat it all himself," Brandon retorts, as everyone laughs once more, the bonds of friendship—and feline forgiveness—reaffirmed.
