Dear Demeter,
How are things going? I had plenty of fun when my humans took me to that boarding facility. You wouldn’t believe how they treat you there. A second leader like me could get lazy if they stayed there too long.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
I’m doing good. I’m glad you’re back. Sounds like a nice place. My humans are always too busy with work to go anywhere, so I have no idea how any of those places are. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself though.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I am definitely glad to be back! Of course, as soon as I got back I was put to work. Fix this, fetch that, help her, guide him.... I mean, it’s ok, but I just got back.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
I’m sorry. It must be hard being second in command. If you ever need help with anything, feel free to ask me. I’d be glad to help.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
Well, I guess I’ll take up that offer. Can you keep track of the kits? They’re really hard to watch, and I think they like you better anyway. Please?
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
I would love to do that! The kits are so adorable. And, I’m sorry to say, but they do like me better. They have nothing against you, of course. They just think they you’re too serious and no fun.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
Gee whiz, that hurts. Oh well. Hey, you don’t seem to want to talk to me anymore. Letters don’t count. Am I wrong, or are you avoiding me? Whenever I come to talk to you, you always run somewhere. Did I do something Demi? Please tell me so that I can right it. I love you and I know I don’t say it enough. I want the best for you. Sorry if I messed up.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
No, it wasn’t you. If it was anybody, it was me. I’m really sorry Munkus. I didn’t mean to do it. Was it really my fault though? I’m so scared Munkus. I love you so much.
Love,
Demeter
*
Dear Demeter,
Um, if you mean was it your fault that you looked mad, no it’s not. I forgive you, if you want me to. Uh, what are you scared of? I’m not gonna get mad just because we made a mistake.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
No, I’m not mad. I wasn’t mad. You haven’t done anything to make me mad ever. We weren’t the one to make a mistake. It was me Munkus. I’m scared for us. What’s going to happen to us now?
Love,
Demeter
*
Dear Demeter,
You didn’t mess up! I just thought I did something. That’s all. Although, I need to discuss an issue with you. Demi, you know we have limited food. We can’t afford for you to be eating more than your fair share. Some kit might not have eaten. Just to remind you.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
I did mess up. I’m sorry. And I’m not eating more than my fair share of food. I’ve been feeding the kittens before I eat myself, so they’ve all had food. Don’t worry.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
Stop saying you messed up. And if you’re feeding the kittens before yourself, how are you getting fat? You’re putting on more weight than any of us can afford to.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
I can’t stop saying I messed up. I did, so bad. I don’t think it’s fat Munkus.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
You’re getting very round. It’s not fat. We need to talk; not over letters. I’m going to go crazy. Yes, you did mess up. Big time. I have no idea what will happen to us.
Love (always),
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
I know I did. I didn’t try to. Was it really my fault though? It hurts so bad Munkus. I’ll come over now.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I am so sorry I said those things. It's not your fault. I thought you had run off with another tom on purpose. I didn't know that Macavity raped you. I am so, so sorry I made you feel like it was your fault. I could kill Macavity. For making you hurt and paranoid. For hurting our relationship. For making you bear his kit. I will definitely say it's mine. I don't need the rest of the tribe running you out. I'd have to go too. I'll say it's mine and I'll make up something for Tugger. He's getting annoying!
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
You weren’t the one that made me feel like it was my fault. I already kinda felt that way. Thank you Munkus. I love you so much. You’ve done everything for me I could possibly want. Thank you for caring about me. Oh, I could never do anything with another tom on purpose. Like I said before, I love you too much.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
You’re very welcome. I would do anything for you. You are the sweetest, most caring queen out there. In your time of hurt, I almost feel like I can’t do enough for you. If there’s anything else I can do, please tell me.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
You’ve already done enough for me. Just by agreeing to tell the others it’s your kit. That means so much to me. Bombi says that I should go to Misto to find out the due date and gender of the kitten. Should I?
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I think you should. You should be prepared for whatever, whenever. And I was wondering, since I’m going to be it’s father, can I help name it? It’s ok if not. I mean, you are the one carrying it.
Love,
Munkustrap
P.S. If you find out what gender it is, we can stop calling it ‘it.’
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Dear Munkustrap,
Of course you can help name it! It’s your kitten too. You’re a great tom. I’ll go see Misto today and tell you the results. Oh, I was thinking, and I’ve decided you need to spend more time with the kittens. That way you’ll know what to expect. And show them your fun side; that you’re not just the serious tom they think you are.
Love you always,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
Great! I want to name it something that starts with M, D, or J. And, I’ll try. Kittens are weird and hyper. I’ll try to play with them though, for your sake.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
Well, I went to see Misto. She’s due in exactly three months. I think a J name would be nice. Where did you come up with a J though? Hey, I’m barely out of kitten-hood; you don’t seem to think I’m weird. Or hyper. You’re going to have to get used to it now though. You’re a dad soon!
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter
You’re different. You’re more mature. And...eek! I spent time with Etcetera and she just about had a hernia! She was so hyper, I’m afraid to see what this daughter of mine is going to be like. I came up with J because my moms name started with a J. Don’t worry, not Jennyanydots or Jellylorum. They’re too odd to have anything to do with Dueteronomy.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
Well, thanks, I guess. Yes, Etcetera probably wasn’t a good first choice. She’s rather excitable. She looks up to you though, if that makes you feel better. Wait till you spend time with Pouncival. I would suggest Electra or Admetus next. They’re calmer, kind of. Maybe just stick with Admetus. What was your moms’ name? Maybe we can come up with something off of it.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I went to mess with Admetus today. He’s a great kit. Too bad you’re not having a tom.... My mother’s name was Jemymina. She wasn’t a Jellicle, so her name’s kind of odd.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
Admetus is great. He’s a bit shy at first, but when he gets to know you he’s pretty funny. I’m actually kind of glad I’m not having a tom; I’m sure I don’t need to say why. What about the name Jymina. Or Jemina. Or Jemima. Something like that. What do you think? Whoa! Wait a minute. The Jellicle leader had kittens with a non-Jellicle? That’s bizarre. I hope it’s not the same case when you’re leader.
Love you more than I can say,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I was a “mistake.” Dueteronomy was still kind of young and messing around. I was raised my first years out of the junkyard. Then Jemymina gave me to Dueteronomy. Jemima sounds good. And no, it will not be that way unless you get kicked out and become a non-Jellicle. Someday, when you feel better, I do want to give you a kit. Nothing would make me prouder.
Love you forever,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
You’re a mistake? Dueteronomy sure seems to like you the most out of Tugger and Misto. Exactly how old are you? If Dueteronomy was young.... I like Jemima too. Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better. I would love to bear your kitten someday Munkus. Just not for awhile, ok?
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I’m six. I hope that’s not too old. He loves me a lot (I won’t say most) because I’m his first respectful kit. Tugger’s kind of...bad. Misto’s still a kit, so what do you expect? It’s ok if you’d like to wait. I have my whole life. And yes, Jemymina wasn’t supposed to get pregnant with me. I am a mistake.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
Well, I don’t think you’re a mistake. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t born. Six isn’t too old. I just always thought you were around three or four. Of course, that’s what I get for not knowing how old anybody is around here except Bombi. Saying you’re the first respectful kit implies that you have older siblings. Do you? That’s one of the reasons I love you, you know that? You respect my feelings. Thanks. <
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I have plenty of older siblings. Tugger, Misto, and I are the only Jellicles of Dueteronomy’s kits. There are plenty more between Misto and I too. And I’m pretty sure that there are two after Misto. I haven’t met all of them, but the queen always comes to tell Dueteronomy. I’ve seen all but one queen: Misto’s mom. She got in when I was gone somewhere. Tugger and Misto are full Jellicles from some queen in some other tribe. I have 20 odd some siblings altogether.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
That’s kind of disturbing. Misto’s only eight months old. Deuteronomy’s too old for any queen to want to mate with him that can. I’m disturbed.
Love,
Demeter
*
3 months later...
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Dear Demeter,
I absolutely love Jemima! It’s hard to believe she’s not really mine. I love her like she is. I like her better than Etcetera. Lots better! I can’t wait till I have my own.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
She’s pretty adorable. I don’t think she’s going to be as hyper as Etcetera, so you don’t have to worry there. It seems like you’re pretty excited to have own kit. Please don’t run off with another queen to have while I’m recovering. That would hurt so bad Munkus.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I would never, ever, ever do that. I will wait until you recover. Even if you never recover, I won’t push it. Love doesn’t revolve around having kits. I love you for who you are. I just want to spend till I die with you.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
Thank you. I appreciate it. I love you so much! I heard Macavity’s your brother. Why didn’t you tell me before? I’m not mad, just curious.
Love,
Demeter
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Dear Demeter,
I figured that’d make you scared of me. I figured you’d be hurt and shook. And, I’m ashamed to say he’s my older brother. See why I’m the first respectful kit? I’ll understand if you leave me. You probably don’t want a tom who’s related to Macavity to be your mate.
Love,
Munkustrap
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Dear Munkustrap,
I can’t imagine anything that would make me scared of you. I would never and could never leave you. I love you. I don’t care who your siblings are. You didn’t have the choice. It was a bit shocking. How could a great tom like you have a brother like that? It doesn’t really matter though. Taking your words, I love you for you. Each day I seem to be getting better and better and not feeling so bad about what happened. Jemima really is a blessing. We’ve been brought closer to each other because of this too.
Love you always,
Demeter
End