Forgive

Ok, so, the other mammal. Cat, yeah, ok, probably.

There I was, minding my own business, up on my tree, when... when... that, THING appeared, inside MY house like it OWNED the place. Honestly, lost my appetite completely, for a long time.

Seriously, terrifying. Would it eat me? Hurt me? Take over? Would they put me back in a shelter, forever? I don't remember a lot of that time, miserable, not sure if I liked you humans anymore.

I learned to hiss, really hiss and spit. Hadn't done that since I was a small kitten. Well, she would come up to sniff, and I tried, I really tried to be friendly. But then she HIT me! I wasn't doing anything! I'd have tried to be friends, but whenever I let her get close, I'm all relaxed and my people are nearby, and BOP! Just like that. Sheesh.

What? yeah, I really like running with her. She's quick! Very good with those mice toys that move by themselves and smell really interesting.* It took a long time, but eventually I figured out that she really is fun to chase around. Even taking turns chasing. Although, when she flips over and stares up at me from the floor, I know I've lost. I'm sure I'll figure out a way to win at wrestling.

And, sure, thanks for reassuring me, even when I couldn't relax and enjoy you guys. I guess I knew underneath you wouldn't really hurt me, but I was so confused. Worse than the day you put me in a bag forever and there was all that roaring and my ears hurt. This was unending misery.

I figure she's mostly harmless, and it doesn't hurt when she bops me. Still don't want to cuddle up with her, that would be weird. But she's ok, I guess. We like watching birds together. Can't say I'm ever bored since she's moved in.

Good to have someone else to test the food first, too. Make sure it's ok.

Lonely? I was only lonely when you humans weren't around... . Ah, that over-licking my fur thing. Um. Maybe I was a little bored. And, well, this is a much bigger territory, I was always willing to share. The next door cat could have moved in, although I think I scared him, nice old guy though. I guess he's got that dog to deal with at his home. Could be worse.

Anyway, I've gotten used to her. I think she's scared, too, so I try to be calm around her. We, we're getting more at ease. You are mostly forgiven.

*Actual mice.

(Moby, on Eleanor, prompted by questions from me.)