Pumpkin

Pumpkin was born on Halloween. The name was not a negotiation.

She is four years old now. Works at a bodega in Williamsburg. Her spot is the candy shelf, which she treats like a balcony. She watches customers from up there like they are on parade. Seated, composed, slightly above everyone.

Parents point her out to their kids. The kids then refuse to leave without waving goodbye. Some days, the line to wave at Pumpkin is longer than the line to pay.

Pumpkin, Williamsburg. Photos: Bodega Cats of New York / Gulce Kilkis

Workers told us she is the reason the store feels friendly. Not because she does anything specific. She just sits there. She watches. People walk in tense from whatever their day has been, look up, see the cat on the candy shelf, and something loosens. It is not dramatic. It is just a small reset.

"She was born on Halloween," the owner said. Like that explained everything.

Pumpkin was born on Halloween, and now the candy shelf is hers. It is the first place kids look when they walk through the door.

She keeps the height, the view, and the parade that never stops.