In the beginning, everything seemed to be normal. Something seemed to be off, though, and I couldn't put my finger on it. A loud bang startled me. Looking up, I saw one of the cats sitting next to the kitchen cabinet looking innocent. "Good thing you're cute and I like you," I told the little orange and white cat. "Meow," Cheeto replied. Then he kicked the cabinet with one of his back legs, signaling he was ready for third breakfast.
As I was getting the wet food ready for the cats, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was out of place. But what? As I placed the four plates in front of each cat, something happened. I blinked and everything changed. It all looked the same, but it was all different at the same time. That's when I saw it. There was a sound I recognized but hadn't heard since my grey tabby passed away 6 months before. It was surreal. Brownie strolled in, like nothing had happened and did her funny little meow. Blinking slowly, she walked over and asked to be picked up. I didn't think I heard that right. "You heard me, Mom. Pick me up. I'm ready for cuddles now." Brownie said. "Yes, I can speak. And hear your thoughts. We all can. When the boys finish their snacks we'll talk."
I picked up Brownie and walked over to the love seat and sat down, still in a daze. What is up with this? I wanted to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. "Mom, I know this is a shock for you. We've always been able to talk and hear your thoughts. We can only communicate with the humans that love and care for us." Brownie rubbed against my chin. "But you passed away, at least that is what the vet said." My voice trembled. "The Universal being brought me back. He said it wasn't my time yet. I've got just a little more to do. It's time for the world to know who we really are and what we are here for. I was selected to lead the way because I have a wonderful human who is up to the task of helping us." Brownie started purring as she said this. Cheeto chimed in, "Yes, Mom, you're the greatest. You'll do fantastic! You're one of the few chosen ones that can and will help spread the word. You'll do great at teaching others about us and the Universal being. We call him the Great Cat."
Twinkie, my rather large orange and white cat, jumped next to me on the arm of the love seat. "I'm not fat like the vet said. I'm just big boned Mom!" He yowled, still a little sore from the vet visit yesterday. I smiled, wondering how I'm going to accomplish this. "Don't worry Mom, there are other chosen ones on their way here to help. We will be starting soon. The Great Cat said that he has a plan and everything will go smoothly." Twinkie said. "Isn't that right Fudge?" Fudge, my little orange cat, settled down at my feet. "That's right Twinkie. I'm surprised you were listening, as much noise as you were making with the cat nip." Fudge replied. "Hmpf. Just cause I enjoy the cat nip on occasion doesn't mean I don't listen." Twinkie started furiously washing his tail at this remark. "Mom! Mom! MMOOMM!" Coconut was very excited. Coconut has white patches and grey striped markings. He's been with me the longest. "What, Coconut?" I asked. "Nothing. Just wanted to do that now that we're talking. I don't like being left out." Coconut jumped up on the love seat and stretched out, his head on my leg. "Ok guys. If we're going to do this, how're we going to get started? I know you said the Great Cat has a plan. Are there any details Brownie?" I asked. "Yes. We are to wait for now for others to join us. They will be coming here." Brownie teased Coconut with her tail as she spoke. Cheeto piped up, "We will know them as we meet them. I don't know how, the Great Cat just said you would know, Mom."
This was the beginning of an great adventure for us. For the first time in a long time, I had something to look forward too. A sense of purpose took root deep in my heart. I knew then what I was meant to do. The future is looking brighter, more so now than ever.
