Judo (Furry Fever Series)

You are walking back to your apartment after doing some grocery shopping after work. The sun setting behind you casting you shadow long and dark in front of you as you walk the bustling streets. Your thoughts wonder to Judo, your pet cat. She caught the Furry Fever early on during the pandemic. It took some adjusting but you both have gotten accustomed to this new normal. However, you have noticed something off about Judo. She seems clingier, more worried every time you leave the apartment. You have tried to speak to her about what is going on but she always brushes it off with a joke or a prank. You cross the street and enter the courtyard of your apartment building. You juggle your keys and the grocery bags as you enter the lobby and turn left, entering an open elevator and pushing the button for the 5th floor. You are soon putting your keys into your apartment door and step inside. “Judo I’m home.” You call out into the apartment, but are only greeted by silence. You scan the apartment entrance, Judo seems to be up to her usual tricks again. You head to the kitchen to drop off the grocery bags and continue your search for Judo. She is not lounging on the couch or in her usual sunbathing spot, nor is she in her room. As you walk back towards the kitchen the coat closet door swings open and someone or something has pounced on you, sending you tumbling to the floor.