It's Still Life

The Cat’s Nocturnal Quest
(Or: a brief romance in three acts)

ACT I: THE EXIT
“Don’t wait up, old woman,” he purrs,
tail held high like a banner of mischief.
“I have… errands.
Of a personal nature.
Involves a wicked woman
and a well-stocked pantry.”

ACT II: THE RETURN
Dawn finds him back on the windowsill,
whiskers tipped with cream,
a single sardine tin clasped delicately in his jaws.

He looks… smug.
And slightly out of breath.

ACT III: THE EXPLANATION
“She was… delicious,” he declares,
dropping the tin on the floor.
“But her milk was 2%.
2%!
I ask you,
what kind of wickedness
is that?
So I left.
With that souvenir.”

The Old Woman picks up the tin.
Raises an eyebrow.
“And the woman?”

“Mrs Higgins at #12,”
the cat begins washing a paw,
avoiding her eyes.
“but I never kiss and tell.”
Or drink 2% milk.”