Swan Haven on a sunny weekend was interesting - apparently every other person in Whitehorse had the same idea we did. Kero took one look at the crowd and did the thing he always does when he's overwhelmed: ran into a corner and hide.
I crouched down next to him. He was doing that thing where his ears go sideways and his tail does this slow, unhappy twitch.
We lasted maybe twenty minutes.
I had this whole picture in my head before we left - him sniffing pine needles, picking his way through the grass, doing little curious cat things. The reality was a very small, very stressed black cat who just wanted to be back in his apartment.
And honestly? That's fine. First times are allowed to be short. He learned something today, even if it wasn't what I'd planned: the world is big and loud, and when it gets to be too much, his person scoops him up and takes him home. That's not a bad lesson.
We'll try again. Early morning next time, midweek, when it's just us and the trees and maybe a swan or two.
Next time, buddy.
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