That made her arch a brow--the longing, and the young man's wistful expression. "Are you not allowed pets at home?" Yotsuyu asked, sounding somewhat confused.

Her brow furrowed as she thought. As she did so, her gaze traveled over the kittens and the other cats. It was not as if she hadn't been meaning to at least make a donation to the rescue...

"We could always ask if you could fill out an adoption application. I'm aware you'd need your parents' permission, but I can put down the donation to reserve him. And if, heavens forfend, they forbid you, I'd been considering a gift to this rescue in any case."

She didn't need to buy Elliott any friendship--her son was perfectly capable on his own. It was the simple ache in this boy's eyes that inspired this sudden burst of generosity.