The Killer Cat Runs Away

20

My Precious, Wonderful, Amazing Tuffy!

The moment we got near to our front door, I wriggled out of Ellie’s arms. (No point in letting the child get into bad habits.)

Then, acting super-cool, I strolled back into the house. As I passed underneath a brand-new spray of glossy, waving leaves, I nodded companionably. ‘Looking good, Pot Plant!’

I waved at Frying Pan and Piano – ‘Hi, fellas! I’m back!’ – and went upstairs, planning to say hello to Alarm Clock and Bedroom Slippers. Ellie was chasing after me, carrying my old collar. ‘Oh, Tuffy! I’m so glad you’re back!’ She slid it over my head. It was still damp from all her weeping, but I thought I could be gracious about it. After all, the child had saved me from worse.

I let her give me the most gentle squeeze. She buried her face in my fur. ‘Oh, Tuffy!’ she said. ‘My precious, wonderful, amazing Tuffy! The Tuffy I love so much and always have and always will, for ever and ever and ever! Thank heavens you’re home and safe!’

I let her squeeze me one more time before I shook her off and went downstairs to check on Frying Pan. (After all, Ellie and her mother were both outside when that rude vet was going on about how fat I was. And I was peckish.)