Simon broke down the moment Elena told him she was leaving.
Big, ugly sobs tore out of his chest as if someone had ripped his heart straight through his throat. Elena let him decide whether he wanted to return to the penthouse or stay behind at the mansion with Jin Di and the kittens.
"Wuwuwu! Boss, I'll stay!" Simon wailed, clutching his face. "I'll stay with sir boss and Ice Cream and Popcorn! I'll take care of them so they won't feel lonely without you! Wuwuwu!"
"I'm counting on you, Simon," Elena said softly.
She knelt down and hugged each kitten in turn, pressing her face into their fur and breathing them in like she was trying to memorize their warmth.
"Ice Cream, Popcorn," she whispered, nuzzling them. "Stay with Daddy, okay? Don't let him be too sad." Her lips curved faintly. "And I officially give you permission to scratch the faces off anyone who dares steal Daddy away while Mommy is gone. Deal?"
