Back from the grocery store, keys jangle as I place them (hopefully) in the spot they’re supposed to be found. I glimpse my cat asleep, dreaming, head down, buried in his bed, concealing his moustache. A paw is curled over a nose and hind legs stick out straight…awkwardly. Ears twitch, flutter, and slant. Eyes blink, bat, while closed. A muffled meow slips out trembling lips. 

I know he dreams of me, the wizard of dry food, good witch of treats, Dionysus of catnip. Then, I am also evil magus of loud voice, mystic of flea medication, Charon, ferryperson to the veterinarian. Still, after all I’ve put him through, he will look up at me with those blue eyes, forgiving me for all my offenses, thanking me for all my kindness. 

Then I remember, I forgot the cat litter. I shout out a well-worn expletive. Evil magus strikes again! This wakes him and there is a questioning look on his face. Well, let’s say it’s not really a question, but a realization. One that all who have an animal friend or two know. It says, “What’s this crazy human up to now?” It is in this moment when the reason why the universe exists is revealed…if only for a millisecond. 

This is number 2 in the cat series. For number 1 click here.