In the corner of the room stood the Great Wooden Tower, a structure of dark mahogany that served as a duplex for two very different residents.
On the penthouse level lived Barnaby, a ginger aristocrat with a coat like spun gold and an attitude to match. He believed the top shelf was his birthright, a throne from which he could survey the kingdom with regal indifference.
On the ground floor lived Cloud, a snowy white ball of energy with eyes that missed nothing. While Barnaby preferred deep contemplation, Cloud preferred chaos.
The morning began with a shared investigation. A mysterious speck an invisible greeble floated near the ceiling. Barnaby froze, his gaze locked upward with intense focus. Below him, Cloud mimicked the stare, placing a paw on the silver hinge of the door, ready to launch an attack at a moment’s notice.
But the invisible enemy vanished, and boredom quickly set in for the tenant on the lower level. Cloud’s attention drifted from the ceiling to the magnificent orange tail dangling just above her head. It was too tempting. With a mischievous stretch, she extended a long white arm, reaching up to bat at the golden fluff.
Barnaby did not flinch. He did not look down. He simply tucked his paws underneath his chest in a majestic loaf formation, refusing to acknowledge the pestering from below. He stared straight ahead, radiating pure stoicism.
Offended by being ignored, Cloud turned her face outward and let out a dramatic, open mouthed complaint. He’s doing it again! she seemed to cry out to the empty room. The management here is terrible! I demand attention!
But Barnaby remained unmoved on his high perch, proving once again that in the Great Wooden Tower, the top cat always has the final say.
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.
