The Conversation…
“Do you think you can get a whole tuna for the Catmas party?”
“I do not,” she sighed
“How about a couple of turkeys?”
“No.”
“A salmon?”
“How about carrots?”
He looked at her in horror.
“Talk about something else,” she said.
“Why do you think they picked reindeer to pull his sleigh?”
“I have no idea,” she said. “Maybe because they were big and strong enough to do it. I mean, look how many of them it takes. Or, maybe reindeer were the only animals who lived at the North Pole.”
“I don’t think so.”
“No?”
“No,” he said. “Reindeer are too heavy to fly. They are not aerodynamically cut out to do it. They don’t even have wings and their antlers would be a hindrance, more than anything else. They move their legs, as if they’re galloping in the air. That’s just stupid.”
“Well, cats just can’t pull something that heavy. And you guys can’t really fly either, although it sometimes seems as if you can.”
“Birds.”
“What about them?”
“Birds should be pulling the sleigh,” he said, biting his claws. “Everyone knows birds can fly.”
“A bird weighs about an ounce an a half.”
“I’m not talking about sparrows and wrens I’m talking about vultures and eagles. Some dinosaurs could fly, but they aren’t around any longer.”
“It doesn’t really matter, because none of it’s real anyway.”
“Still,” he said, “of all the beings on earth, why reindeer? ”
“It’s a question that may never be answered.”
“I hate when that happens,” he growled.
She snickered. “I’m really sorry about that.”
“The cats are home from the hospital. Jinx said they look a lot better.”
“I’m so glad.”
“Why do you hang around with cats instead of people?”
“I like cats better.”
“Of course you do. But still, shouldn’t you be spending some time with your own species?”
“Why do you care?” she asked, putting more treats in front of him.
“Hey, I’m just looking out for you.”
Her eyes filled with tears. She leaned over and kissed him, then pressed her face to his side. “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“So you’re saying that you only know mean people?”
“No,” she laughed, petting him. “I know some nice people.”
“The vet seems nice. Terrifying, but nice.”
“I can see why you would think she was terrifying. But yes, she’s nice.”
“Maybe she knows why reindeer were chosen, instead of birds.” he said, hopefully.
“I doubt it, but I’ll ask her.”
“Tell her it doesn’t make sense.”
“I will,” she said, “but I bet she already knows that. How’s Snow doing?”
He rolled onto his side. “She’s okay. It’s a big adjustment coming from a home to the street. Everyone likes her, so that helps. She’s staying with two other females. They’re teaching her the ropes.”
“How can I help?”
“You can’t, unless you take her home with you.”
“I will. Where is she?”
“You can’t just take her,” he said. “You have to ask her if she wants to go.”
“I will. Where is she?”
“I’ll talk to her,” he said.
“Promise?”
“Promise,” he said, closing his eyes. “I’m going to take a nap now.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Don’t get hit by a car on the way home,” he whispered, as he fell asleep.
“I’ll try not to,” she said, and kissed him goodbye.
Rethinking Life 
Written
on November 30, 2021