Elle's cat Mochi never let her near, always hissing, but clung to her roommate Nina. Her boyfriend Bran also favored Nina. Then a freak accident let Elle hear Mochi's thoughts — the voice was Bran's. She realized Bran's consciousness entered the cat, speaking truths he'd never say: he never loved her, used her devotion while giving affection to Nina, and laughed at her behind her back. Three years of love, wasted on betrayal. Elle walked out and started over. When Bran came crawling back, she slammed the door. She would never sacrifice herself for the unworthy again.
