

Mabel peered from her carrier. "I miss Dad and Minnesota," she meowed. "Welcome to Michigan," Grandpa said. Grandma stroked her white chest. Max, with a white chin, blinked. Jake wagged.

Mabel gasped, "Max? I thought I'd left you!" "Surprise," purred Max. Jake trotted over; Max's striped orange tail swished. "Gentle, buddy," Grandpa warned. They sniffed, then zoomed around chairs, tails high.

Grandpa set a sunny perch. "Squirrels!" Mabel chirped, tapping her gray-and-black tabby reflection and small black nose. Birds fluttered past. Jake, a black-marked Jack Russell, sat. "Michigan's nice," Max purred.

Grandpa carried Mabel outside to rub on warm concrete. "Scritch, scritch," she purred, whiskers quivering. Grandma offered treats, and Mabel's belly felt pudgier. "I still miss Dad, but I'm happy here."