To the untrained eye, he is simply a pet a very fluffy, very orange tabby who enjoys soft surfaces and regular meals. But a closer analysis of his daily existence reveals the truth, this is a creature of immense gravity, mystical connection, and complex responsibilities. He is the Cosmic Orange Cat, and his work is never truly done.
The cat’s day is a cycle spanning four distinct phases of existence.
His day often begins on the High Watchtower. Surrounded by the sigils of the night hanging bats and silver stars he assumes his rightful place as guardian of the realm. His posture is impeccable, his chest puffed with importance. His green eyes survey the living room with a look of profound judgment. He is checking the structural integrity of the ceiling, monitoring the dust mote population, and silently critiquing the staff’s choice of DVD organization. This is the face of a king who knows heavy is the head that wears the fur.
A king must occasionally mingle with his subjects, no matter how undignified it may be. When his loyal staff scoops him up for a mandatory snuggle, the Cosmic Orange Cat does not struggle. That would be beneath him. Instead, he adopts the Pose of Stoic Tolerance. His massive, fluffy paws hang limp, a dead weight symbolizing his existential weariness. His eyes narrow, communicating a clear message, I permit this embrace only because you provide the wet food. Do not test the limits of my benevolence.
Sometimes, the weight of the world lifts, and the universe sends him a signal. Lying on the rug in a sunbeam, he is suddenly bathed in refracted prism light. In this moment, his majestic facade cracks, replaced by wide eyed wonder. Bathed in magenta and cyan, he rolls onto his back, paws up, perhaps trying to catch the elusive light particles. He looks surprised, as if suddenly remembering that he is, in fact, made of stardust.
Guarding the house, tolerating the servants, and communing with rainbows is exhausting work. Eventually, the Cosmic Orange Cat must power down. This happens in two distinct modes.
First, there is the Aerodynamic Crash, where he face plants into the mattress, arms stretched forward like Superman mid flight. He is too tired to even curl up; he simply stops moving wherever he lands, becoming a flat, furry projectile dreaming of flight.
Finally, there is the deep sleep mode, the Orange Shrimp. He tucks his nose tightly into his tail, creating a perfect sphere of ginger fluff. In this vulnerable state, he reveals his greatest treasures, the pristine pink toe beans of his hind paws. The world is shut out. The king is sleeping. The cosmos will have to wait until he wakes up.
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.
