38. Goose Memory

        Dad and I were walking down the hallway of our next hotel to bring our bags up to our room. While we were walking, an orangey cat ran past us. I then remembered the cat that I had when I was little.

"I had a cat like that when I was little. Her name was Goose," I told Dad as we continued to walk.

"Goose? For a cat?" Dad asked with a smile, and I giggled.

"Uncle Nick and one of his old friends found her during a mission, and the name on her nametag was Goose."

"Interesting. I wouldn't think Nick would like cats."

"He's a big softie when he's not trying to intimidate others. And actually, Goose wasn't technically a cat. She was a Flerken."

"What's a Flerken?"

"It's an alien thing. But I loved Goose so much, she was very protective of me." I smiled as I remembered all the times that Goose hadn't let anyone near me when I was upset.

"What happened to her?"

"She was very old when I was born, so she passed away when I was six. I was devastated."

"How about when this is all sorted out, we adopt a kitten?" Dad offered, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Really?" I excitedly asked.

"Sure."

"Cool!"

Flashback:

I was running around the house with Goose in my arms. Uncle Phil was playing hide and seek with me, and Goose and I were running from being caught. Soon, we found a good hiding spot in the bathroom tub. I laid Goose down next to me but didn't get to sit before Uncle Phil found us. As any 4-year-old would, I screamed with excitement. Goose became alarmed and revealed her Flerken tentacles before Uncle Phil could pick me up. Uncle Phil backed away with his hands raised in surrender, and I giggled,

"It's ok, Goosey. Uncle Phil won't hurt me."

Goose purred as I gave her soft rubs on her head. Once I was satisfied with how many rubs I had given Goose, I stood and lifted my hands for Uncle Phil to pick me up. Goose jumped out of the tub and hissed at Uncle Phil as she walked past. I giggled again and hugged Uncle Phil.