"She's adorable," he says, already entranced as he comes around the side of his desk, books forgotten for the moment. "Peacat, like peacock cat? I mean, I guess that explains the feathers." He pauses mid-step at the rest, hand already half-lifted to offer to the tiny, precious thing.

"Oh--is she safe to touch? I mean, of course she is, she's on your shoulder--I mean, can I pet her? She's really cute."