The zipper was gone.

I felt along the cat's underbelly even more frantically, but there was nothing, but thick,

white fur.

It hissed at my rough touch and jumped off my lap.

It trotted back to the doorway and vanished around the corner as Tommy chuckled.

Such a fickle thing, inside.

I remember when I first got it.

A smile twitched like a flickering light.

Well, maybe I don't remember it so well.

Ta, ta, ta.

Tommy and I's heads snapped upwards.

Three precise knocks once more coming from the ceiling just as it had done before.

Tommy looked at me and I looked back.

We maintained eye contact for a few heartbeat.

The smile was barely pasted on.

His foreheads shone with sweat, and I could hear his shallow breathing.

When he spoke, he did so through great teeth.

It must be the cat.

He just barely uttered.

I didn't answer.

Part of me was just paralyzed by sheer anxiety.

Another more dormant part could only think of where those knocks were emanating from.

...