Page 54 of Revive Me

Just as that thought hits, my phone buzzes.

Liliana: Are you a cat person?

I frown at the message.

Roman: I’m more of a dog person, but I don’t exactly hate cats.

Roman: Why?

In response, I get a picture.

And immediately burst out laughing.

When Mikey stirs, I have to cover my mouth to smother the sounds, but I’m still shaking with laughter as I look at the picture again.

It’s of a giant orange cat, curled up in Lily’s lap and glaring at the camera. Its expression fits every cat stereotype that’s ever existed.

Roman: That is the fattest cat I’ve ever seen. What do you feed that thing?

Liliana: SHUT UP. He’s not fat, he’s fluffy.

Roman: I highly doubt that, Liliana. That cat looks like it sneaks double lunches and dinners.

Roman: And why is it glaring so hard? Does it hate you?

Liliana: HIS name is Garfield. And no, he does not hate me. This is how he expresses love.

Roman: I never thought I’d say that’s the perfect name for a cat, but…

Liliana: I know, right? My brothers used to tease me that I only gave him the name because he was an orange kitten, but then he grew up and actually became Garfield. It was like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Roman: That means you need an Odie, too

Liliana: Ugh I wish. Our apartment complex doesn’t allow dogs.

Liliana: Do you have any pets?

Roman: Just Rocky

Liliana: And Rocky is a…?

Roman: My pet rock

Liliana: …

Liliana: I didn’t think it was possible, but you’re actually worse at naming pets than I was as a child

Roman: Well now I have to know

Liliana: For starters, my frog was Mr. Frog

Roman: That’s not that bad. I feel like most kids give names like that.

Liliana: I was sixteen

I let out a snort at that.

Roman: Okay yeah, that’s pretty bad

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