Once, there was a cat made of clouds and curiosity who decided that the wilderness was simply a very large, very green living room waiting to be conquered. This is the tale of his great expedition.
The adventure began deep in the woods. While the humans bustled about with tent poles and sleeping bags, the Cloud Cat understood that true leadership required a clear mind. Ignoring the dirt and the leaves, he claimed the highest throne available, the camping chair. With his eyes squeezed shut and his fur ruffling in the breeze, he drifted into a deep slumber. He wasn’t lazy, he was simply supervising the campsite construction via telepathy.
As the expedition moved indoors to a wooden cabin, the Cloud Cat’s instincts kicked in. He knew that a king must always look down upon his kingdom. He scrambled up the warm, wooden beams to the loft. Peering over the edge with wide, sapphire eyes, he dangled his paws casually over the timber. From this vantage point, he could ensure that no unauthorized squirrels entered the premises. The inspection was a success; the lodgings were deemed acceptable.
But being an explorer is exhausting work. After the rigors of the outdoors and the stress of the cabin inspection, the Cloud Cat hit his limit. Finding a soft blue surface, he abandoned all pretense of dignity. He rolled onto his back, tucking his paws in and staring upside down at the world. He dissolved into a liquid state of relaxation, proving that even the fiercest adventurers need a belly rub now and then.
As the day faded, the Cloud Cat rallied for one final moment of grandeur. He climbed onto the wooden railing outside, the setting sun casting a golden glow over his white coat. He sat tall and stoic, watching the wind ripple through the tall grass. No longer just a napping pet, he was the Guardian of the Golden Hour, silently watching over the horizon until it was time for dinner.
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.
