`You have a cat?´ she said surprised.

`Yes, have you got pets?´

She shook her head. `I'd never had a pet.´

`Too much commitment? Or too much stress?´

`Neither. Too much upset.´

`Upset? Pets bring you so much joy. And, medically speaking, pets are great. The lower your blood pressure and there's good evidence that stroking cats can lower your corticosteroid levels, thereby boosting your immunity.  They're good for mental health too - they calm you down. Give you an overall sense of well-being. A sense of companionship. Almost as good as having a partner.´

Almost as good. But not quite.

- jennifer page, the little board game café