I didn’t see the kitten expecting kittens (maybe) today. I kept watching for her, but only saw the growing black with the tiny white spot cat. It visited a couple times looking for food. I’ll admit that late in the afternoon, I did send my son under the house in search of she who may have a name. I only asked him to go so far and there was no sight of her. She hasn’t been going far from the house so I’m hoping that she was just further up than he went and she’s okay. Being feral she could very well have found a corner to hide from him.
Mom told me that they haven’t seen any of the cats that have been hanging around their house, not even Mustard has been around. Its true that in the past, Mustard would disappear for a couple days then return, today made day three and dad is concerned. I’m hoping he’s just tucked away somewhere with a new lady.
That’s the bad thing about feral cats, allowing yourself to become attached to them. Then, they disappear.
I did late today see a glimpse of a large yellow cat crossing the edge of my backyard, but I couldn’t tell whether it was Mustard or the yellow new comer. The black cat was sitting on my back step at the time watching it walk by.
Where are the others? Its really odd and a bit painful, when you have grown accustomed to seeing them, to suddenly not. It has happened too often and you wonder if something caused them harm, or if they will wander back around tomorrow. Will they show up alone, or with family?
Mom needed to make a trip to a big box warehouse store. She was in need of something that neither she nor dad, could pick up. After being delayed, we were finally able to go. I could, if I allowed it, feel trapped as mom talked about anything and everything. But I don’t. I’m glad I can be there to listen. It was a quick trip anyway. We got inside, found what she needed and I managed to pick up the bottles of water and get them in the cart. Not one, but two, and chicken. We got her checked out, and I figured while I was close, I’d go ahead and fill up the car. The fun part in that is I get to usually skip the line, since the fuel door is on the opposite side most are on. While they await their turn, I just cruise on up and begin.
Home again, it started snowing. Tiny flakes that sparkled in the sunlight. Yep, sunlight. Which made it very odd. There wasn’t a lot of it, just enough to bring out the giddy, kid at heart, happiness. The only thing missing, was the cats. I did however, remember to cover the car, so hopefully if the cats come out of hiding, they will stay off my Jeep. It does feel funny tucking the Jeep in for the night.
Currently I am sitting here, both of my dogs by my side, and an animated movie showing on the television. My inner child wanted to hang around.
The inner child that loves to watch snow falling and kittens playing. The inner child that loves the innocent, but can be so full of questions. The inner child, that no matter how old I get, loves to play and collect stuffed animals. The inner child, that still respects her elders, and it always ready to do everything possible to help. Because they have always been there for me.
I may not know the answer to the question, where are the cats, but I do know the answer to, am I and my inner child, happy.
Words from The Dirt Road 