The Bellini Card

102

The cat watched the man washing his face. He took a rag and dipped it into the water, then washed his leg.

When he was done, he took a piece of cloth and tore it into strips.

The cat tensed, arching her back. Beneath her, a covey of blind kittens groped for the warm milk.

The man tied the cloth around his leg. The cat could smell his blood.

When the man stood up, he winced but made no sound.

He stood silent, immobile, watching the window.

Watching for the dawn to break.