To the tall ones who filled the food bowls inside, this tiled terrace was merely a spot for fresh air. But to Callie, the tri colored queen, this was her realm a fortress high above the ground where she reigned supreme.
Her day began upon the High Throne, a black wicker chair perfectly positioned to catch the breeze. She sat with the poise of a statue, her magnificent tail draping over the edge like a royal banner of orange and shadows. Her wide, gold green eyes scanned the treetops, tracking the movement of every leaf and the flight path of every bird. The string of unlit lights wrapped around the railing served as her jewelry, framing her face as she assessed the weather. She was not simply sitting, she was governing the wind, ensuring the clouds moved only with her silent permission.
As the afternoon light shifted, warming the beige tiles, her strategy changed. She descended from the chair to take up her post at the iron gates. Tucking her paws beneath her chest, she pressed herself against the floor, staring out through the bars.
From this vantage point, she watched the street below. The metal beasts roaring down the asphalt and the distant figures walking on the sidewalk were her entertainment. She tracked them with a stoic intensity, a silent guardian ensuring that the chaotic world outside stayed exactly where it belonged far below her paws. She was the keeper of the peace, the fluffy sentinel, and as long as she held her watch, the household was safe.
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.
