Maple leaps onto the sun-warmed windowsill and curls into a tight orange ball. The carrier sits by the door, open and empty. She goes back to sleep, but her tail twitches.
The carrier door clicks shut and Maple's claws dig into the soft floor. She lets out a thin meow and presses her ears flat against her head.
Her owner lifts the carrier and the whole world begins to rumble. Maple holds still and stares out the mesh window.
The vet's office hums with soft purrs and bright lights. Maple presses herself against her owner's chest while the kind doctor strokes her silky blue-point ears.
She peeks one green eye open and notices a feather toy dangling from the exam table, swaying back and forth.
The needle prick feels like a tiny mosquito bite on Maple's scruff. She flinches, then hears her owner whispering, 'You're so brave, Maple.'
She lifts her chin and lets her owner's hand stay right between her ears. The doctor smiles and sets the syringe down.
Maple curls up in her favorite sunbeam at home, one paw tucked under her chest. A loud, rumbling purr vibrates through her ribs and fills the cozy living room. She closes her eyes and sleeps peacefully.