The Cat Who Knew Everything

I started **running** because my therapist said it would help with the anxiety. Which, valid. But mostly I did it to escape the group chat blowing up after Jordan posted that screenshot of my DM to Mia. The one where I said I maybe-sorta-definitely liked her. Classic middle school disaster energy.

So I'm **running** through the neighborhood, hood up, playlists sad enough to match my mood, when this calico cat appears on a fence like it's been waiting for me. Just watching. Judging my form probably.

"You too, huh?" I pant, slowing down.

The cat hops down and starts following me. Not like a normal stray—this cat has a vibe. Like it's on a mission. It leads me down this alley behind the old arcade and stops at this dumpster, meowing at it like it's trying to tell me something.

And that's when I hear it. Voices. Familiar ones.

"...she's so obsessed with him, it's actually kinda embarrassing" — that was Chelsea's voice

"I know, right? I only hang out with her because she always has snacks" — Jordan

My stomach dropped. My so-called besties. The cat looked up at me with these knowing eyes, like, sorry kid, people are the worst.

I stood there frozen as they kept talking. Spilling everything. Who they actually liked (not me, obviously). Who they were **spy**ing on via finstas (literally everyone). Which teachers they had dirt on. It was like real-time tea but instead of being entertaining, it was just devastating.

The cat rubbed against my leg, purring like a tiny, furry emotional support animal. I realized I'd been **spy**ing on them accidentally—but honestly? After hearing all that, I didn't even feel guilty.

"Thanks, little dude," I whispered, scratching behind its ears. "You're a real one."

I walked home instead of **running**, stomach still churning but feeling... lighter? The cat followed me halfway then peaced, like its work here was done. Later that night, I left the group chat. Started a new one with just me and the cat (which I named Drama, obviously, because she brought it).

Sometimes the best friends aren't the ones you expect. Sometimes they're four-legged, furry, and help you realize you deserve better. And sometimes **running** away from your problems leads you straight to the truth.