Chit Chat

Ii is 6 p.m.  The evening sun is slowly fading.  A gentle breeze blows as two cats lounge comfortably beneath a large shady tree.

Ning (stretching lazily):    Aah, this is the life!  No worries, no responsibilities, nobody telling me what to do.  What more could a cat ask for?

Milo:    You're right, of course!  Thank God the cats were pretty well behaved today, otherwise I wouldn't have had time to come out here and chill!

Ning:     Don't you get tired of running round that shelter, feeding cats, looking after them, sorting out their little quarrels....?

Milo:    Are you kidding?  I love every minute of it.  There's always something happening, never a dull moment.  

Milo (turning towards Ning): Actually, that reminds me.  I've been thinking about you.  Ning, why don't you come and stay at the shelter?  It's certainly better than staying in your bachelor pad - four meals a day, medical attention whenever you need it, and Peter does a very decent grilled salmon!  Not forgetting a few really cute females around to keep you company!  Not a bad deal, huh?

Ning (raising an eyebrow): Four meals?  Grilled salmon?  Cute females?  You're making it sound like a five star cat resort!

Milo:    Well, it isn't exactly the Marriott but we do our best!

Ning (laughing): Thanks, Milo but I think I'll pass.  You see, there's just one little problem. If I stay at the shelter, it would mean giving up my independence, you know what I mean!  I can't go to the Club whenever I feel like it, nor can I stay out late or disappear for a day or two without having to explain myself.  Shelter life is not for me, buddy!

Milo:    Maybe you could negotiate with Peter?  You're getting old and you need someone to look after you.

Ning:    Hey, who says I'm getting old?  I can still jump over a fence or climb up a tree!

Milo:    Alright, alright but do think about it, won't you?  One of these days you might appreciate having someone around to help  you.  And I know Peter would be delighted to have you.

Ning:    Thanks, Milo.  What you offered is very tempting but I think I'll stick to my bachelor quarters for now.

Milo:    Alright, as you wish.

Ning:    Thanks for looking out for me, Milo.

Milo:    Anytime, buddy.

Ning:    Oh by the way, do you think Peter could send me some of that grilled salmon tomorrow?

Milo burst into laughter, gave his friend a friendly knock on the head and said "I'll try, but no promises!"

The two cats then settled back against the tree trunk and fell asleep.