A journey to Big Lots
So pleasant was her spring break (the Everglades; Key West), Mary itched to spend more time outside; and so today she dragged me out with her to Big Lots. These patio chairs — one for her, one for Martin — were what she came away with. Not to be outdone, I bought this chair (the blue one) and a giant bag of popcorn.
When we got home, we arranged our chairs next to the hot tub and sat wordlessly. But soon Mary missed Bianca, who never leaves the house. Mary went inside; she returned, the cat clutched to her breast; Bianca, terrified of the hot tub (that great expanse of water) — or perhaps of nature — squirmed out of Mary’s arms and fled indoors.
When we got home, we arranged our chairs next to the hot tub and sat wordlessly. But soon Mary missed Bianca, who never leaves the house. Mary went inside; she returned, the cat clutched to her breast; Bianca, terrified of the hot tub (that great expanse of water) — or perhaps of nature — squirmed out of Mary’s arms and fled indoors.
How, then, would Mary manage? (For how could she enjoy her patio furniture without her precious cat?)
“Bianca!” she coaxed. “Come out here, Bianca!” She held the screen door open. Tentatively, fearfully, the little nose emerged. The beast surveyed the landscape.
“It’s all right, Kitty. Come out, explore the porch.”
The cat extended her paw onto the step. Quickly, she withdrew it.
She sniffed the air, put out her paw again, remained in place.