Angelica is still a kitten. Yet, the 11-month-old, spayed, onyx-black, little lady has learned the behaviors that should have pleased her people. She’s gentle and sweet, willing and hoping to be cuddled. And Angelica, as her humble posture in her photo shows, tries not to take up too much space or intrude.

Maybe, since pets sense people’s feelings and faultlessly read human body language, Angelica understood that she wasn’t quite a family member, that she wasn’t secure. Maybe this kitten knew, even before everyone in her family did, that her people were getting ready to let her go.

That must have hurt, especially after Angelica tried so hard to be loved, after she’d transferred the love that she had for her mama to her people.