It was dark time, and since I woke up and was not entirely sleepy, I went and finished my dish of food from last night. I felt a little too full, since I had a large dinner consisting of one packet and some fresh chicken, so I wanted to play a before going to snuggle on top of my The Him.
I debated waking him up to open the clearway, but I knew I would be ready for sleep soon, so instead I jumped on the shelf, where I planned to knock down a thing or two just to keep my paw in good training. I am glad no one saw me, since a highly disgraceful thing happened, something that should never, ever happen to a Superior. I was so full of food that I did not land properly, and yes, believe it or not, I fell down. Most of the time, if a Superior falls off a somewhat high place, he or she lands properly and is not hurt. We know how to do it, and our bones are flexible. But not always. Sometimes, the Superior will land just as clumsily as a Long Legs. I knocked my head on the side table and everything went black.
Next thing I knew, I saw a point of light in the distance. It grew bigger. I had no idea what it was, and stared at it as it continued to grow. I could see it was a tunnel of sorts. I got up and went to investigate. I felt lightheaded, sort of flimsy and weightless, but I figured it was caused by the fall, so I ignored it. I went into the tunnel, and suddenly felt a strong push, as if sixty mice were standing in line and pushing me forward. I practically flew, it was so fast. At the end of the tunnel, the light was growing stronger, but for some reason it was not hard on my eyes. After a long time, by the end of which I was sure I sprouted wings, I reached the strong light. I could see that it came from an opened clearway, which seemed to invite me to come in. I was not surprised, since no matter where I go, they surely know my worth. So I stuck my tail up straight to show I was not afraid and walked right into the light.
At first I could not see anything, but I heard my name called. The sounds seemed to come from many different individuals, some in human language, some in cat language. It was like “Oscar, darling, at last!” “Oscar, how wonderful to see you!” “Yes, kittens, this is the famous Oscar I told you about.” And so on. Slowly, my eyes adjusted and I could see all around me. It was a beautiful garden, and Long Legs and Superiors were everywhere around me, all looking at me with admiration and love. I saw a few dogs, and some birds, but they did not come close; I suppose this was out of respect for my feelings. I did not know anyone personally, but since they were so civil, I went and rubbed my head on some Long Legs’ foot. She seemed so enchanted with me she was ready to swoon with joy, and when I leapt on her knee she gently rubbed my ears. Another Long Legs came over with a dish that contained something that looked a little strange but smelled so good I decided to try some. As I was eating this delicious food, with everyone standing over me and watching with admiration, a tall Long Legs came over. I looked up from my food, sat down and wiped my face politely with my paw. The Log Legs motioned me to follow.
I am not sure why, but I felt compelled to obey and walked after him. Everyone was waving at me and telling me to come back when I was through with the interview. Interview? Whatever was that? I had no idea. But the Long Legs took me to a room, where he sat on a regular chair in front of a desk, and on the desk was a soft cat bed. I sat and looked at him, and he looked at me, for a long time. Neither of us spoke a word, but I felt he was reading my thoughts. It did not bother me, since what would I have to hide? My thoughts are pure and Superior-like at all times. At last he said to me, “It’s not time yet, Oscar not all nine are used yet. You have to go home.”
“I am not even sure where I am,” I said.
“It does not matter, Oscar. You still have work to do, you have not attained perfection.”
“What??” I said. “All Superiors are perfect. You should know that. You read my thoughts.”
“Well, that’s just it,” said the person. “I saw that at times you behaved badly to your Long Legs. You refused to accept full responsibility, and you allowed them to do things they should not do. You must go back and rectify all wrongs before you are allowed to come back here. You know you are their owner, but many times you have forgotten this great responsibility.”
“I saved a rat the other day,” I said. “And a kitten.”
“That was highly commendable,” said the person. “But not enough. Go home and take better care of your Long Legs.”
“Very well,” I said. “If I must, I must. It was nice here but I would miss them if I stayed.”
“Now that was a very good way to start your new path,” said the person.
“Do I have to fly through this awful tunnel again with the mice?” I asked.
“No, it is a one way tunnel. I will place you back home.”
At this moment, I opened my eyes. I was just under the shelf I had fallen from, and I had a serious headache, but otherwise I was fine. I went to my The Him and jumped on his stomach. I must be good, sure, but I won’t lose too many points if I dig myself under his chin, I thought. He choked a little, but not much, and I purred and thought. What was it? Where was I? I have no idea.
Wise Cat
An ancient haiku:
a dream which is not
a journey that has no end
what do they tell me?
Millie the Cat
Dear Oscar,
I suggest you read the book "Journeys to the Infinite" by His Catness, the Reverend Superior Emerald of Atlantis. It will clear some of the myesteries, I believe.
You friend and associate,
Millie