The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Two

Deliverance

 “Alcestis?” 

    The rust and white Tom called from behind the couch of his Human home. Like any intelligent creature, he knew better than to announce himself anywhere out in the open. At least, in this house, it was best to be in hiding most of the time. 

    “Admetus,” came an answer from behind a standing cupboard. 

    Looking around the couch and seeing no one, the Tom hurried across the living room and into the parlor. His footing was precarious on the tile, and he skidded slightly on the slick surface. His breath threatened to leave him as he bounced off the wall, but he kept that and his balance for the moment. Skittering on the tile, he managed to make the relative safety of the cupboard. Waiting for him there was a nearly white Queen. She had beautiful brown-gold highlights around her ears and cheek fur, and on her legs and arms. 

    “Dearest,” she said, nuzzling him around the cheek and muzzle. 

    “Ally, dear, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you ever since that horrid Human left.” 

    “Hiding here.” 

    “Do we dare try for our food dishes?” 

    “I hope so.” 

    The Tom slipped past his Mate, and glanced into the kitchen. Carefully, he moved down the baseboard to look around the doorway. So far, his ears and nose told him all was clear. He turned about, and saw his Mate limp as she came out. 

    “What’s wrong, Ally?” 

    “I didn’t get out of the way soon enough for him,” she grimaced. “So I got kicked in the hip.” 

    “Oh, dearest, I’m sorry.” 

    “It’s all right, Addie. That’s what I get for trying to demand our food while he’s in a hurry.” 

    “Still, he has no right hurting you like that.” 

    “And what can we do about it?” 

    The Tom had no answer for that question. At least, not now. Instead, he eased back around the doorway and slinked across the floor and into the mudroom. He could hear her following him, and winced at the sound of her limping. In one corner, two bowls sat side-by-side. He paused, and looked carefully around. The room was empty. His conical ears swiveled carefully and listened. No one was outside the door or in the garage. Satisfied that it was safe, he approached the two bowls. The bowl on the left was for food and the other was for water. When he arrived, a few crumbs lay in the bottom of the food bowl, and the water was stale. 

    “Dearest?” 

    “Here, Ally. You eat what’s left.” 

    The Queen looked in the bowl and sat on her haunches. Tears began to spill over her amber colored eyes. She reached dismally into the bowl, and then picked up the meager leftovers and bit into the equally stale food. Admetus drank from the other bowl, and wished he could find some fresh water. He thought about trying the Water Closet, but it stank worse than the litter box did. He needed to relieve himself, and did not even like the thought of using the box. It had even less appeal than the water. 

    “You don’t suppose he left the basement door ajar, do you?” 

    “He usually does,” the Tom said, trying to clean his whiskers and muzzle. “After all, that’s our job around this place, isn’t it? We’re supposed to catch the mice in here. Have you ever seen a mouse in any part of the house?”