The gray cat wrapped herself around the top of the fence post and glared down at the small brown dog. She was being intentionally spiteful, knowing full well that she was out of reach. The dog was a whirlwind of excitement, pawing the fence, barking hysterically, dancing on her back legs, wagging her tail. This was not one of her cats and she was joyfully overcome by the prospect of a new friend.
The cat appeared to see the situation somewhat differently. There was hostility in her yellow eyes, defiance in each quick whiplash of her tail, contempt in her body language but no sign of fear.
The small dog continued her frantic dance. Branches bent and dead leaves scattered beneath her paws. The cat continued to stare menacingly but made no move to join the game or to run. After several more minutes, the dog gave out and sunk to her belly in the leaves, breathing hard and cocking her head up with bewilderment and hope. The cat, sensing victory, slowly got to her feet, yawned, and with one brisk, dismissive switch of her tail was gone.
The small dog stood up and shook off the grass and leaves. Without so much as a backward glance, she trotted toward the back door, the brief encounter already a fading memory. Game over and everybody won.
You don't have to go to every arguement you're invited to.
No comments:
Post a Comment