CHAPTER TWENTY SIX – BUILDING NEW FRIENDSHIPS

A week had passed since the disastrous interview at Happy Paws, and Karina was still chuckling at the memory. It wasn't every day you got to witness the escape of a mischievous ginger cat during a job interview. One sunny afternoon, her phone buzzed with a text message. It was Marie. "Hey, stranger! Up for some adventure today?" A smile spread across Karina's face. Marie's vibrant personality had been a bright spot in the chaos of the interview. "Adventure, huh? What kind of adventure?" Marie's reply arrived promptly. "Meet me at the park in an hour. I have a surprise!" Intrigued, Karina threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, a sense of anticipation bubbling in her stomach. Arriving at the park, she spotted Marie perched on a bench, a mischievous glint in her eyes and a large canvas bag slung over her shoulder. "There you are!" Marie exclaimed, waving her over. "Let the adventure begin!" Karina joined her, her curiosity piqued. "Alright, spill it. What's in the bag?" Marie unzi