Still, despite their gratitude, a shadow of worry lingered. Jennifer’s weeks of maternity leave had been devoted entirely to Lily, and the idea of entrusting her infant to anyone else—even Eve—was daunting.
So when they returned home one afternoon to find Eve waiting, her expression serious, their hearts sank. “Please sit down,” she said softly. “I need to tell you something important.” Bewildered, they exchanged anxious glances, minds racing with fear.
Eve’s revelation shook Jennifer to her core: Whiskers had formed an unusual attachment to Lily, refusing to let her sleep alone. He clung to the baby like a devoted shadow. Though harmless at first glance, Eve warned them to remain cautious. “It may not be dangerous now,” she said gravely, “but it could become so.”
Jennifer’s unease deepened, but Julian brushed it aside as endearing protectiveness. Yet seeing Jennifer’s worry, he promised to watch Whiskers closely whenever he was near Lily.
At first, nothing appeared alarming. Lily adored Whiskers, and the cat returned the affection. But whenever she was laid in her crib, Whiskers stood guard with unwavering devotion, never leaving her side.
It wasn’t immediately threatening, but it was strange. The bond between cat and baby grew undeniable, yet his refusal to leave her alone during sleep left them increasingly uneasy.
Then came Eve’s urgent phone call. Her voice trembled as she explained that Whiskers had bitten her when she tried to approach Lily. Shocked and unsettled, Julian and Jennifer struggled to accept that their once-gentle pet had turned aggressive.
From that day forward, they watched him more closely. His protectiveness intensified, teetering on obsession. He permitted almost no one near Lily—not even her parents. Their beloved cat had become their baby’s fierce, unyielding guardian.