15 Kirsten walked to the window and pushed it open . The weather outside was lovely . So her mood lightened instantly . With time to spare before her interview , she decided to take a stroll downstairs . As she passed the bushes , faint meows reached her ears . She turned , but saw no sign of a kitten . Kirsten thought she might have misheard , but the sound came again just as she was about to leave . Crouching down in the grass , she peered closer and spotted a ginger kitten tucked inside an old pipe , deep in the undergrowth . He was skinny , his tiny body covered in wounds . When he saw Kirsten , he didn't flinch . Instead , he tried to crawl toward her . Kirsten's heart ached . She knew she had to help the kitten . But the pipe was blocked by heavy cement blocks , and no matter how hard Kirsten tried , she couldn't budge them . She thought of asking for help , but the only person she knew here was the man who'd paid for her meal . After a moment's hesitation , Kirsten decided to take a chance and knocked on his door . The man answered , looking like he'd just woken up . When he saw it was her , he quickly straightened his clothes . " What can I do for you ? " Kirsten rushed to explain about the kitten she'd found downstairs . " Wait a minute , " he said . Then ducked back inside to change . Soon , they headed down together . Once they spotted the kitten's hiding spot , he carefully moved the stones aside , then gently lifted the tiny creature from the pipe . The kitten let out a string of soft meows , as if sensing help had arrived . But made no move to struggle , just curled up obediently in his arms . " Looks like his back leg's hurt , " he said . " We should take him to a vet to check . " " I know where one is , " Kirsten replied . 10:13 Menu 2.3 % AD Binance : Buy Bitcoin & Crypto Install now > PG There's the usual crypto platforms , then there's Binance . See why we're different . < 15 They walked for a few minutes until they reached the pet hospital . A nurse came over , asked about the kitten's condition , and took it for an examination . The man set the kitten gently on the exam table before stepping out with Kirsten to wait . Before long , the nurse emerged with the kitten . " No major issues with the leg . Just some scratches that need time to heal , " she said . It was just severely malnourished and would need to stay at the hospital for a few days of observation . Kirsten looked down at the kitten in her arms , and the worry that had been gnawing at her heart lifted instantly . " Thank you so much for today . I really wouldn't have known who to turn to without you . " I haven't known your name , " Kirsten said with gratitude . " It's no trouble . I'm glad we could save a life , " he replied . I'm Darnell Quinn . And you ? " " Kirsten Wilkinson . " Darnell murmured her name softly , then nodded . After making arrangements for the kitten , they walked back to the apartment building together . Perhaps because they'd just shared a small mission , the conversation flowed easily as they went , no awkwardness at all . Kirsten learned that Darnell worked as a legal consultant at a local law firm . Coincidentally , she'd been interested in law since she was a child . So they fell into a lively discussion about their thoughts on the law major . By the time they reached the building , it felt like they'd known each other for far longer than a day . Kirsten's impression of Darnell had shifted . He wasn't as cold as he seemed . " Wait here for a minute ? " she said . " Okay , " Darnell replied , confused but agreeing without hesitation . It wasn't until Kirsten came running back with two large ice creams that he realized her plan . " You still remember it . " " Of course , " Kirsten gave him the ice cream with a faint smile . Darnell took it over happily . Sunlight filtered through the tree leaves , dappling the ground . As Darnell looked at Kirsten , he felt an unexpected warmth creep up his cheeks . 10:13 正 2.3 % AD Binance : Buy Bitcoin & Crypto Install now > PG 广告 There's the usual crypto platforms , then there's Binance . See why we're different . Menu < 15 Flustered by the feeling , he quickly made an excuse to head home . Kirsten , oblivious , just smiled . They agreed to meet up again soon to visit the kitten . AD Binance : Buy Bitcoin & Crypto