Deep within the autumn woods, where the fallen leaves mirror the rust and gold of his coat, the orange tabby becomes something wild. Here, he is not a house pet, but a sovereign of the forest floor. He crouches among the timber and dry foliage, his eyes narrowed and alert, listening to the wind weave through the tall pines. He is the master of camouflage, blending perfectly into the wild tapestry of the earth, waiting for the slightest movement of a mouse or a falling leaf.
But a king does not rule alone, nor does he spend all his time in the shadows. Upon the wooden fortress of the back deck, he sits alongside his grey, silent ally. Together, they act as sentries behind the black iron bars. They are frozen in fascination, watching a visitor from the wild a gentle doe grazing just yards away. It is a quiet standoff between the hunters and the grazer, a moment where the domestic world meets nature safely through the railing of their castle.
When the patrol is finished, the tabby returns to the arms of his tall, bearded guardian. Lifted high toward the blue sky, he is paraded among the towering sunflowers. The bright yellow petals frame his face, matching the warmth of his fur. He rests comfortably in the strong grip of his two legged companion, his expression serious yet content. Among the flowers, he is no longer the hunter or the sentry, but a beloved friend held safe above the ground.
Eventually, the sun that fueled the sunflowers calls him inside. The adventures of the day the stalking in the woods, the staring contest with the deer, and the time spent in the garden finally take their toll. He finds the perfect patch of golden light streaming through the window and collapses. With his nose buried deep in his paws, the cat drifts into a deep slumber, chasing dreams where the sun never sets and the forest goes on forever.
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
