That would ruin everything. I’d better not bring up the Cloisters.
I end up staying longer than I had planned. Tío Diego is kind of fun to talk to. He asks about shadows and perspective and he knows about famous historical painters. I can’t believe we’ve never discussed art before.
Tomorrow will be a great day—as long as my parents don’t find out what I’m up to.
CHAPTER 21 Lolo
Visiting Tío Diego is a fun adventure.
On our way back home, we stop and talk to Norberto and some other people I recognize from the bodega. They’re playing with dotted blocks at a table outside. A girl with long frizzy hair waves to us from across the street.
I remember playing outside and exploring new places when I was a kitten. That was before I wandered too far and couldn’t find my way back home. I never want that to happen again. Maybe, if I’m careful and always stick with Miguel, I can enjoy leaving the bodega sometimes.
The next day Miguel says, “Tío Diego,” and I jump right into the bag.
I curl up on Tío Diego’s couch while Miguel whistles and clinks plates around in the kitchen. After we eat our lunch, I get comfortable on Tío Diego’s lap and wait for Miguel to pull out the little sketchbook and pencils.
Instead, Miguel stands and shoves his hands in his pockets. “So, I’ll be back in a little while,” he says. “I’ll leave Lolo here, okay?”
Tío Diego chuckles and rubs my belly. “Of course! He’s my little buddy now, isn’t that right, Lolo?”
I sit up and watch Miguel walk to the door. Where is he going? I spring off my seat and run to my friend.
“Don’t leave me!” I cry.
Miguel gets on one knee and holds me in his arms. “I’ll be back, Lolo, you stay here.”
I don’t want to stay behind without him. When Miguel stands again, I dart over to the backpack and bring it to him.
Tío Diego laughs. “That is one smart gatito,” he says. “He knows you’re going to the bodega, and that’s his home. You’d better take him with you or he won’t be happy.”
Miguel frowns and kneels again. “Lolo, come on,” he whispers. “I have to do something. Alone. You understand, don’t you?”
I drag the backpack to the door and crawl inside, blocking Miguel’s path.
Finally, Miguel says, “Okay, you win.” He lifts the backpack onto his chest and opens the door. “We’ll be back in about an hour, okay?” he says to Tío Diego.
“That’s fine, mijo,” Tío Diego says. “No rush.”
Outside, Miguel heads toward the bodega. But when we get to the corner, he turns instead of going straight home. I look around as Miguel jogs and jogs. I wonder what we’re exploring today.
Finally, Miguel slows down. I know this place. It’s the park where I lived before the mean cats chased me away.
“Get out!” a nearby cat shrieks.
I climb a little way out of the backpack and lean on Miguel’s shoulder.
There, behind that puffy bush, are the mean cats. And they’re snarling at Preciosa.
She’s panting and shivering. Her fur is spiky, and her body is pressed against the ground with her tail tucked underneath her. She’s all alone, and the cats around her are hissing and showing their teeth.
Miguel turns down the path and climbs high, high, high to a giant castle. From here, I can’t see the cats anymore. Should I help Preciosa? It’s not like she’s my friend or anything. And I know what a pest she can be. She probably deserves what’s coming to her.
I sink back into the bag as Miguel talks to someone right outside the castle. But I can’t stop thinking about Preciosa. She’s like I was before Miguel found me. All she wants is a good meal and a warm place to sleep.
I think about how Miguel and his parents welcome everyone at the bodega. If there’s room for all those people in that little bodega, then maybe there’s also room for more than one cat.
“Eeow!” Preciosa’s cry pierces through the air.
I hurl myself out of Miguel’s bag and race down the steps.
“Lolo, where are you going?!” Miguel shouts.
I don’t stop. I streak toward the bush and stand in front of Preciosa, baring my teeth at the mean cats. “Leave her alone!”
The mean cats laugh.
Preciosa pants and cries out.
“Don’t you see she needs help?” I say. “Why are you so mean? It wouldn’t hurt you to help out another cat!”
“Well, it will hurt you!” The biggest cat steps toward me and hisses.
I stand my ground even though my heart is thumping out of my chest. “You don’t scare me.”
