T h e   I n t r u d e r

A true story

 "Where are my babies?"  Muriel Tosten asked.

       Her cats look at her then they continue to go about their business.  That's what cats do.  Muffin is licking her paw, Cupcake is laying on the grass sunbathing, and Baby is walking among the rose bushes.   Muriel lit a cigarette, inhales, and exhales slowly.  It's November and the temperature outside is 78 degrees.  Winter has finally started in  Arizona.  What a relief, it was a long hot summer and to Muriel it seems as if it would never end--now that it had she could open her windows and sliding glass door and let the house air out.  It was a Norman Rockwell morning in Muriel's back yard--cool and alive with color.  She closed her eyes and  and enjoyed the early morning smells like a good steak. 

“Here kitty, kitty, kitty.  Muffin, Cupcake, Baby!”  All three cats looked at Muriel none of her pets come to her.  “Damn you!  You stuck-up cats!  The only thing you hear is the can opener!"  Muriel took another puff off her cigarette.  " What did I ever do to get three cats like you?  You’re lot's of comfort to an old lady.”  Muriel grumbles.  Muffin, Cupcake, and Baby were the only family Muriel had now that her second husband was dead--her children lived in different states.  Yes, she was alone now.  She was 71 years and the only company she had were three pug face cats that wouldn’t give her the time of day.  "What did I do to deserve cats like you!"  She repeated.  Muriel's cats like to eat, sleep, and groom their long fur they  seldom played or sat on Muriel's lap.  The only affection they showed her was at night when she went to bed.  Then the cats laid next to her.  “What did I do to deserve such a punishment?”  Muriel shook her head and put out her cigarette.  “Yes, food is all you are interested in you bad cats.”  She scolded.  Muriel got up and stood in her back yard looking at her naked tree.  She remember happier times for a moment then  she watched her cat’s sunbath and her heart filled with love for each of them.   "You may be rotten cats but mommy loves you."   She said softly.  "I know you're moody, and dare right unfriendly, but your my cats and I love you. 

“Here, kitty, kitty, kitty!”  This time there was a response. Cupcake and Baby run between her legs and into the house as if they were being chased by a pack of dogs.  Through the living room they ran, and into the bedroom.  “What’s got into you two?”  Muriel inquired as she walked after them.  She got on the floor and lifted up the bedspread.  Cupcake and Baby were huddled together shaking.  They looked twice their normal size.  “Cupcake, Baby did something scare you?”  The cats looked at her like what do you think.  Muriel thought I better check on Muffin.  So, she got up walked out into the backyard and walked over to Muffin.  Muffin was the friskiest of the three cats, full of piss and vinegar but only during the middle of the night!  She stood with her arms folded watching her.  She was acting strange, jumping up in the air, running backwards, then forwards, then jumping again. What on earth are you up to?”  Muriel asked Muffin.  Muriel kneeled down, to pet Muffin.  She touched Muffin and the cat jumped straight up into the air.  Now Muffin was twice her size in appearance her fur was standing on end and she had a scared look about her.  Muriel picked her up again.  “I’m sorry Muffin.  I didn’t mean to scare you.  Why are you so skittish?  You’re as stiff as a board?”

Muffins didn’t look at her owner instead she fixed her gazed in the directions of the roses. Noticing this Muriel too looked in that direction.  At first she saw nothing then she wonder why the ground was moving.  Then her brain said that’s not the ground that’s a snake.  It’s a

The End

Written By: Cynthia Ellis Martin

Date: 11-19-97

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Last Updated:  03/14/02 08:29:18 AM