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There's a cardboard box on her doorstep. Not completely unusual as she was prone to having groceries delivered and the odd nightly online shopping when she couldn't sleep. This had lead her to her adventures in fancy coffee making, which ultimately lead back to her shelving the espresso maker to be gifted later. The coffee at the shop down the street from work was far better than any of her attempts anyway. It had been a valiant effort, but fruitless nevertheless. But no, there was a cardboard box, that while it did boast a shop brand on the side, it was, however, unsealed. It was also faintly...moving.
Now any common sense would tell her she probably should call someone in case it was a ticking bomb or something. She really should stop binging crime dramas late at night. But as she moved closer, the box let out a loud meow and jolted more violently.
Okay, definitely not a bomb.
Clara had just returned from work, it wasn't too late in the day, but still mostly over. She had been wrangling kids all day and wasn't prepared to come home to this. Stepping closer, she knelt down in front of the box. Prying the flaps back, she found a small ball of dark brown almost black fluff. Two big luminously orange eyes stared up at her as the fur stood on end.
“Oh no...” Clara groaned, reaching in to try and pet the kitten. It hissed, swatting at her only to tilt forward and faceplant into the bottom of the box. Clara braved it, managing a couple quick strokes before dodging a sharp claw.
The kitten's downy fur was filthy and caked in what appeared to be dried mud or blood. She hoped it was only the former. “Alright, little one. You're coming with me.” Clara announced, carefully closing the box again and picking it up. She walked down the hall to where her closest neighbor resided. She didn't quite know him yet, but she knew she shared the complex with a few doctors, him being one if the gossip could be believed.
She adjusted the box in her arms, shifting to free one hand to knock firmly. There was a pause before a bright voice answered from within. “Just a moment!”
A moment passed, then the door swung open, revealing a tall, slightly gangly man with a bright grin. He was dressed plainly in a nice sweater, jeans and small, delicate looking circular framed glasses. He was half slouched in the doorway, eyeing her curiously.
“Hello, you're just in time. Would you care for some tea? I'm just going over some dissertations.” He greeted, brightly. As quickly as the man appeared, he was gone, disappearing into the apartment. Clara paused, blinking to be sure she had actually saw him. She lingered in the doorway, wondering if she should just move on.
“Well come on. You're letting in a draft!” The man called, jerking her into motion. She stepped into the modest apartment, that looked as though a hurricane had hit it. Papers were strewn across the island and coffee table covered in red and blue pen. Thick folders laying haphazardly around, one sitting very precariously on the edge and Clara shifted it out of reflex.
“Sorry to bother you, I just have a bit of a situation and I heard there was a doctor on this floor.” She managed, carefully holding the box in front of her. The man reappeared in a flash, standing much closer than before. “Oh forgive me for not noticing. What hurts? Should I call an ambulance?” He fussed, looking her over and wringing his hands. He observed her for a few short moments, prodding gently here and there before stepping back in confusion.
Clara shook her head. “It's not me, it's him...or her...I haven't really checked.” She replied. The man finally noticed the box and appeared to appraise it with a mixture of concern, confusion and trepidation. Large hands with spindly fingers reached out to carefully pry open the box. The kitten chose that moment to attempt to jump out, startling them both.
“What on earth?” He cried, juggling the box that was shifted out of her grasp and holding it between them. He looked bewildered, peering closer and adjusting his glasses. The kitten meowed, angrily and tucked itself into the corner of the box, further pushing it off balance. They worked together and Clara retained full custody of the box. The man stepped back, scratching the back of his neck.
“I'm terribly sorry for any confusion, but I'm not that kind of doctor.” He confessed, sheepishly.
Clara blinked once. Twice. Three times and sighed.
It figures, move into a complex of medical professionals and it's not the kind she needed. They shared a look as her shoulders dropped.
“That's alright, I should have asked before bothering you with this. You don't suppose there is a vet in the area that could take a last minute appointment?” She tried, calmly. The man looked at her, then glanced up in thought. He mumbled to himself for a moment, then lunged for the mess of his coffee table, papers and limbs flying, briefly.
He snatched up his phone and tapped it for a moment, speaking quickly to someone before pocketing the phone. He returned to Clara, smile back and just as bright as when she arrived. “You're in luck! Vastra can take us if we leave soon. But first, a quick cup.” He announced. As if on cue, the kettle whistled and he slid away to fetch two cups.
Clara wanted to protest, but accepted it as she felt she needed something after this day she's had. They enjoyed their tea in companionable silence as the man idly tried to pet the kitten. He seemed to have better luck, but got a couple small hisses now and then. “I should probably clear up some further confusion. I am a doctor, just not of animals. I'm a history professor. John Smith, but my colleagues call me Doctor.” He introduced.
Clara tilted her head, considering this with a faint nod. “Right, I'm Clara Oswald. Secondary school teacher, I also specialize in history. I've never had a cat before or any pets. Mum is allergic.” She replied, glancing down at the kitten.
“Well they certainly seem feisty, but we'll get them checked out.” Doctor replied, hopping up and setting his cup in the sink. He took Clara's after she finished and fetched his bag. “Right, let's go!” he announced, heading for the door.
Clara followed before something hit her when the door shut. “Oh would you mind giving me a lift? I would take him myself, but I just have the bike.” She asked, awkwardly. Doctor fished in his bag for his keys without further prompting, almost not listening as he headed for the parking lot. He lead her out to a rather modest looking car. They got in and drove off to the closest vet clinic.
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At his word, Vastra took them in as soon as they arrived. The kitten was checked over and found to just have a few small scratches which were taken care of. They also bathed the kitten and gave it a flea treatment and wormer. Turns out the kitten was female and after a quick exam, she was back in Clara's arms, this time without the box. Vastra offered to discard the box and Doctor took care of the bill after Vastra called him aside.
Now with kitten in hand once more, the pair found themselves back in the car and on the way to the pet supply store. Without prompting, Doctor offered to help her get the things she needed and wouldn't listen to any protests. They got food, bowls, a collar, and a few toys before they found themselves in front of the pet tags.
“So what are we thinking for name?” Doctor asked, watching Clara decide between a heart tag and circle tag. She glanced up as if startled from her thoughts. She bit her lip as she considered, still surprised at the turn of events. The kitten had been feisty and seemed to think she was bigger than she was. She settled on the blue heart shaped tag and put it in the basket.
“How about Souffle?” She offered, scratching the kitten's chin. Doctor raised a brow, looking between Clara and the kitten and smiled, fondly. He patted the kitten, who was actually not black but a pale grey and white.
“Souffle it is.” He answered, gathering everything and heading for the registers.