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Old 11-01-2004, 11:45 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Location: Burton-on-Trent, England
ABC - another short story

A.B.C. by Susie J Harvey (You may need a British sense of humour.....)

This is my favourite hideaway. A beautiful sheltered valley; so secluded; so peaceful. The green grass of the hilltops and the dense copses beneath are almost fit to die for. Apart from a narrow black-rock track running through it and the small dwelling it is as nature intended. It has a clear stream of pure water, so pure even dragonflies can survive here. These are my reasons to come here to enjoy the sun. It is the height of summer, late afternoon and I’ve just had the most purrfect stretch in the most purrfect sun-trap after the most purrfect sleep. I see you now, through the trees. You are visiting your friends again. Those children are so fond of you. You must have a kind, generous nature. Those are the qualities I always look for in my friends too.

Perhaps you can see me? It is broad daylight but people often don’t see what they don’t expect to see. Thank goodness we do, otherwise we would be extinct. If you can see me, you don’t seem afraid. Even the unnatural stillness doesn’t trouble you. Nor does the lack of birdsong, the absence of cricket chirrups or the air of expectancy. I have grown used to it. It is the feeling you might experience just before a violent thunderstorm. All the other creatures know I have just stirred from slumber but you do not.

Your dog, however, is having kittens, so to speak. As is my lovely lady, Hele, who still sleeps beside me. One day I, Bradninch, will introduce myself. One day, quite soon.

I have followed you as far as the village where the knights jousted long ago: as far as the larger village where the forest creators have their home. Hele will soon have no need of me, I will spend more time in my search for new interests, such as yourself. One day I will find your home. Rest assured.

I watched a fox the other day. What stupid creatures they are. It leapt over a fence into a human’s garden in broad evelight. Yes, it caught the blackbird it needed to feed it’s young but stood, transfixed when the she-human knocked on the invisible wall your kind are so fond of. It was completely helpless with that bird in its mouth. I pity foxes. They are just dogs really. All dogs are stupid. They have no real concept of the beings around them. How do they cope with no long-range sensing? The foxes do take the blame for our feeding too so perhaps I should be grateful? Grateful? That word leaves a revolting taste in my mouth. Dogs, grateful to dogs! Tsssk. The she-human saw the fox but had no idea I was in the dark shadows behind the briar and wild roses. Humans seldom do.

Foxes are a doomed species. They are like you in some ways. Neither of you can enjoy the hunger nor revel in the extremes of this environment. The resultant pain is an opportunity to grow that you just cannot see. You do not fit in. You fear pain and death. Death is simply a return to the earth we are part of. You people are not of this world. Our legends are very clear on that. Your ancestors arrived in large shiny aircraft. You bend our world to fit yourselves. We, on the other hand, bend to fit this, our own world. You will destroy it. And you have the nerve to call me an Alien Big Cat.

I was only a few feet from you in my valley when I first saw you. The shadows I occupied were dark but not as dark as I: I am black as night: black as the deep coal pits we use to travel in; black as the caves where we raise our young; black as the night sky we use to avoid you; beautiful, silky black.

At last, I have found you: in another sheltered valley; larger than my favourite but suited to my purposes. It was once dressed in green grass and trees but now is mostly smothered by your incongruous dwellings. Such changes since I last patrolled here. One hilltop is still green: grass at the top of the hill, with thickening deciduous wood on the downward slope. There are sheep here too. I am very fond of sheep. This valley’s stream leads towards the setting sun, into one of the great rivers. On the opposite bank is a town. I always avoid towns. This one is recognisable by the various scents of human food, scents so strong they confuse me. I crossed many black-rock tracks and gardens to get here. I remember a time when I could wander here over green fields amongst the rabbits, the badgers and those awful foxes. Pfah. Nice place you have here though: garden designed with wildlife in mind; not overlooked, backing onto a small but mature wood. I think I will enjoy visiting you here. You didn’t consciously see me late the other night when you drew the fabric across those invisible walls. I know you sensed me though. Perhaps you saw the moonlight reflected by the backs of my eyes? You shuddered and pulled the fabric more quickly than you normally would. I could see the fear in your eyes. I was very close to you.

After the weeks watching you I am beginning to see the patterns and routines in your life. That looks like another half-lamb you are taking to the cold-store in your garage? Yes, I do believe it is. You are beginning to fulfil your true role in life: as my feeder. As it was written long ago in the misty initiations of time. Me cat, you human. Me beautiful, desirable, you my slave, my servant.

You know you love me. I am irresistible. You are mine. Bring the lamb to me. Now. You are powerless. Just a little closer. Excellent. Let go of the lamb. Now, go, until next time. I will never thank you, that is not our way, but I will be back.

Rest Assured. Kind friend
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Old 11-01-2004, 07:22 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Location: In a pool of mayonnaise!!
Haha great little story you got here. Love how ya got into the mind of the feline and took us in there with you. This is a pretty fun little read. Again your imagery is quite good as is your attention to detail. This is especially entertaining if you know what it's like to have owned a feline or have simply viewed the many varieties before. You paint a pretty good picture. Well I'll keep my eye out for your next piece.

Asta!!
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Old 11-03-2004, 01:40 PM   #3 (permalink)
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New here, so first hello.

Second, I really enjoyed your story. I'm a cat lover myself and I really saw my own little master in your writing.

Thanks for sharing.
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