The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Two

Leaves of Green

Humans call this time the “Dog Days of Summer.” The weather is hot during the day, and meant to be enjoyed (if that was the word for it) by laying around in the shade with a cool drink and a fan. This day really was the type of day that Pollicles would like, if you asked the citizens of the Yard what they thought. Of course, that comment would be an insult, more often than not. To be a Pollicle laying around on a hot day, you would be smelly and slobbery and, well, let us not go any further. 

      To the Jellicle Cat, the “Dog Days” were another type of celebration entirely. Of course, they would not say that the days were not hot or the nights were warm. No, they still are that. But, to Jellicles like Cassandra and Munkustrap, and the Dark Twins of Coricopat and Tantomile, the “Dog Days” were just a bit different. Back in time, the Humans known as the Egyptians watched carefully for the bright blue star, Sirius, in the constellation of the Great Dog. When that star rose just before the sun, the River Nile floods began in the delta. Thus, the hottest part of the year began with that appearance. To the Jellicles of the Ancients, their time was spent more indoors, and later to prowl at night in the cooler hours, and let the Pollicles have their day. 

      Munkustrap had two Queens in his harem, and two kittens beginning to toddle around in the Closet that was now his home away from home. His Human must be a little worried lately; since the Silver Tabby spent more time in the Yard then he did in the Human’s company. Every once in a while, Munkustrap wondered what his Human would say if he one day showed up with Demeter and Bombalurina and the Twins! 

      “Well,” growled Munkustrap to himself one lazy afternoon. “It’s not as though he stays around home very much either. For a Human, he’s a rather dashing fellow and I am sure the Human ladies go after him.” 

      “Would he do as well as you?” Demeter propped herself up on his hip, a playful smile showing the impish side of her. 

      “Well, Handsome?” Bombalurina appeared over a shoulder. 

      “Actually, no,” Munkustrap said with a troubled smile back. He knew he was in for something just by their looks. “You see, Human females don’t really much like to share their Toms. They’re more singular that way.” 

      “Too bad for them,” Demeter said, coming up to kiss him on one side. 

      “They’re missing out if he’s anything like you,” Bombalurina added, now asking for some attention from the other side. 

      “The Twins?” 

      “Are asleep,” Demeter replied, demanding him first. 

      None of the trio was aware of two pairs of shiny eyes staring from around the corner of the box they were supposed to be napping in. The gold spectacle-like eyes of Aphrodite twinkled as she watched her parents. Augustus just watched, slowly shaking his head.

*****

      Quaxo normally kept his post on the hood of an old automobile at the top of a stack of wrecks. From that vantage point, he could see most of the Yard. During the afternoon, the metal reached the scorching point, so the Sentinel had to find a new place. Munkustrap had solved his problem during his Posting in a box that had a good view of the entryway. Quaxo knew he could not use that one since Victoria and Mistoffelees had taken it for their Yard home. He did walk slowly in that direction. In the pile above them, he might find something favorable. 

      At the doorway of the box, Quaxo paused and tried to listen closely without being too impolite. Hearing nothing, he knocked. When no sounds came from the box, he looked carefully inside. Ears, nose and eyes told him that no one was there. At first, the big cat was concerned. Then again, they could have transferred their residence to the Nursery. After all, Victoria was just about due. So, in their absence, Quaxo eased down in the doorway to wait out the afternoon. If they returned, he could always leave; explaining that he would be on lookout above them.