Confusion in the Face of Invasion
Where did it all begin? P.U. had finally returned from an extended stay and life was settling back to normal when the dreaded black suitcase descended from the closet shelf again. In vain I tried to stop the packing, only to find myself stymied at every turn. Sure enough, on Wednesday afternoon, the house emptied out and stayed that way. JJ and I waited all that night and the next day, but no one came through any doors.
Then Thursday evening Aunty L came and stayed for awhile. She always tries to pet me, but I'm too fast for her. JJ's a better host than I am; he just sits out there in the living room, politely chasing whatever toy she deigns to offer him. It's nice of him to give her something for her time and effort in keeping us company and feeding us.
Friday was more of the same. Fortunately, the weather finally started to cool off, so the house wasn't such a sweat box. Ever seen those WWII movies? I haven't...
By Saturday JJ and I were both feeling pretty lethargic when suddenly we heard a familiar sound: the car! Sure enough, we soon heard the outer garage door opening. Like a flash we charged the courtyard, arriving simultaneously outside the courtyard door. Oh, the joy! P.U. had returned.
I couldn't believe it when P.U. headed out again Sunday afternoon. Usually, there's at least a 48-hour stay before any motion is made to head back out. I admit I was worried, but I had no idea how worried I should have been.
Several hours later P.U. arrived bearing two carriers. Inside the carriers I smelled - something strange - females! I'd almost forgotten the smell. Sometimes I can almost remember my mother and my litter mates. I had five sisters and two brothers, I think. This, however, was different. I hissed, just to let the strangers know whose house they were entering.
Today has been more of the same. P.U. opened the closed door for awhile this morning, and I put in an obligatory appearance to hiss, just to let the newcomers know that this is my house. I think they got the message. Time will tell.
I had to hiss JJ, too, so that he would know where he stands in all this. Since then, however, I've also let him know he's still #2, well ahead of the strangers.
Two of the strangers are very little. I'll have to think about that. There's a female, though. I can sense her, and I've got her scent. I know she senses me, too. We'll see about that one in due time. Oh yes...
