Sass and I stepped out into the basement, the young man's form he wore sighing as he finally released it. I watched him, felt him return to a cat and bent, scooping his fat, furry body into my arms. Sass purred loudly, kneading my arm, eyes closing in content.

"That," he said, "was most satisfying, Syd."

I hugged him tight. "I'm glad you're enjoying it." At least one good thing came out of today. Okay, so more than one. But most ...