The Peace of the Wanderer

Chapter Six: Count on Me

Though Marco's welcome was warm on the outside, there was a definite coolness behind the words, and Shadow had identified it.

Bella sighed sadly when the large tom padded away. "Such a shame," she said, shaking her head. The rest of the cats nodded in agreement.

Shadow looked at Bella, curious. "What's a shame?" she asked.

The old dog closed her eyes, as if she was recalling something. "Marco...he's too young to be so somber. He used to be like you, Shadow. Happy, playful, lived in the moment. He had a best friend...they were like brothers. His name was Ollie, and he was about your age when he met Marco. But...everything went downhill from there. Ollie, unfortunately, passed away at a very young age. Ever since then, Marco has been in a...depressed state. Every pet that's passed through this home after Ollie died was treated to a rude and cold Marco. In fact, I was rather surprised that Marco welcomed you at all. But then...I realized it. Why he acted so kind to you."

Shadow cocked her head. "What was it that you realized?"

Bella smiled a little as she said, "You have his eyes. Ollie's eyes."

"Oh."

"You know, you should try to make friends with him. He's really a good cat on the inside. He needs one."

Shadow nodded. "I'll try, Bella, I promise." She then went to go find Marco.

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Shadow found him gazing out the window.

"Bella told you about him, didn't she? Ollie, I mean," Marco said in his low voice.

Shadow nodded. "I'm so sorry, Marco. I really am. Bella also told me about who you used to be. So please, maybe try to be like your old self."

Marco turned his head towards the small she-cat and sighed. "Very well."

Shadow twitched her tail. "First off, you need to loosen up. Unless you were this unrefined before Ollie's passing, I'm assuming it's a wall you built up. Basically, break that wall down."

Marco narrowed his eyes. "You're very feisty, you know that? Ollie was feisty too. Maybe that's why I'm listening to you."

"Well, I'm not here to entertain your little pity party. I'm here to help you in the best way I can, not to sympathize with you. Got it?"

Marco looked very surprised. For a moment, Shadow thought she had stepped one paw over the line, that she had indeed gotten on his enemies list- before the large tomcat busted out laughing. His laugh was very unlike his voice. It sounded like he was actually his age.

"Ah, I never knew a small cat like you could muster up the courage to stand up to a big cat like me! I'm sure we're going to go great together! Earlier, I have to admit I had my doubts, and that 'welcome' that I gave you? I was actually rather afraid you'd challenge my leadership right then and there. But I know you won't, will you?" The black cat meowed.

Shadow recognized the threat in Marco's last sentence. He was laying down the law.

"Oh no, I would never," Shadow replied, being unusually submissive. "Never in a million moons."

Marco seemed to relax. "Good. In that case, I am sure we will be great friends."

And great friends they became.

The two often spent most of their free time together, chasing each other or laughing at Patsy as she was being her snobby self. Marco began letting his guard down around Shadow, and always liked to be around her. It was good to hang out with somecat your age, even if they're a month younger than you.