At the heart of the story is Gatita, a scrappy but endearing stray cat who has become a quiet fixture in Pedro’s life.
For years, she has wandered the streets of La Rambla, often seen slipping between the cracks of the neighborhood, observing the ebb and flow of life in her own silent, watchful way.
Gatita isn’t just a cat; she is the unspoken heart of the community, its eyes and ears, always present, always aware.
Pedro, the protagonist, has known Gatita for a very long time, first encountering her with his late wife in the early days of their marriage.
Since then, she’s stuck around, appearing on their windows or lounging in their home, a silent companion through the years.
Even after his wife’s passing, Gatita remains, offering the kind of unspoken comfort that only a pet can provide.
Gatita is a slender orange tabby with a face that balances sweetness and mystery, her wide amber eyes seeming to hold secrets.
Her appearance is soft and almost ethereal, yet there’s a toughness in her, a quiet resilience that matches the grit of the city itself.
She is heavily inspired by the cat from Coraline, with a touch of whimsy drawn from various Belle Époque illustrations—a creature that, though seemingly delicate, carries a deep, timeless wisdom.
As the narrative unfolds, Pedro often finds himself confiding in her, sharing his thoughts and struggles with her as if she understands in ways no one else does.
Despite her silent nature, Gatita listens.
Throughout much of the story, readers are invited to interact with Gatita in a way that feels intimate and grounded, petting her and basking in her purrs.
