‘Oh. Pity. She hates the rain, you see. Detests it. I felt sure she’d be waiting on the step, especially since it’s her suppertime. I do hope nothing’s —’ He broke off and looked at me. ‘Oh, I say – I am most terribly sorry.’ He looked sorry. ‘Here am I, fussing about a silly cat and there you are, soaked to the skin. I – have you nowhere to go, young man?’

I shook my head.

‘That’s terrible. Terrible.’ He stood looking at me, fiddling with the fork. I could tell he didn’t know what to say.

‘I’ll be off then,’ I mumbled.

‘Yes.’ He nodded, but continued to stare. As I turned away he said, ‘I suppose you’re hungry?’

‘I’m all right.’ I’d started to walk away-would have got clear away if the cat hadn’t appeared at that moment, scampering under a streetlamp.

‘Sappho!’ I turned. The creature ran to him and he lifted it. Cradled it in his arms, crooning. Rocked it like a baby, burying his face in its wet fur, oblivious to the rain which was drenching him, the great soft noodle. And to think – I turned away.

‘Young man?’

‘Huh?’

‘Can I offer you something to eat or – I dunno – a couple of quid?’ He dithered, anxious to do something for me but worried his offer might offend. ‘There’s a coat – a good one – I don’t use anymore. You’re welcome to that if it’ll help.’

I wasn’t hungry but I was cold and wet and the coat sounded tempting. I nodded. ‘That coat’ll be – thanks.’ He smiled and began shuffling back to the house, cradling the cat. I followed. It was as simple as that.

* * *

There was a short hallway with a door on the right and stairs at the end. The guy pushed open the door with his free hand and stood aside, holding the cat. ‘Go on in, young man. I’ll be with you in a jiffy.’

The room smelled of polish and was so tidy it looked like nobody used it. Heavy curtains covered the bay window. The only light came from a lamp which stood on a gleaming table. I stood dripping on the guy’s immaculate carpet while he carried Sappho through to what I assumed was the kitchen. After a moment he called out, ‘You couldn’t fetch the dish, could you – the one on the step?’

‘Sure.’

‘You don’t mind?’ He chuckled. ‘I sometimes think I’d forget my head if it was loose.’

I retrieved the dish with its little heap of mush and carried it through to the kitchen. He had the cat swaddled in a pink towel. ‘Thanks.’ He smiled. ‘Thanks a lot. Just put it down anywhere. I’ll get the coat in a minute.’