Well, friends, the time has come.
The Catparents are packed and ready to set off on their travels.
And Catgrandfather is installed in the house.
I cannot articulate how much this unnerves me.
True, I have my plans for the great get-together of my Posse. I also have no doubt that I will easily be able to wrap the human elder around my magnificently sharpened claws. But it is unsettling all the same, and I find myself experiencing emotions I had not previously encountered.
What if misfortune befalls the Catparents whilst they are in foreign climes? Or – worse – what if they find the land of sun more amenable to their desires? They could well fail to return at their allotted hour. If this should occur, I doubt that Catgrandfather will wish to remain here; if the stories are true, he will be anxious to rejoin his own band of seasoned travellers in the mysterious East.
I must confess to some feelings of surprise here: I find myself strangely drawn toward this seemingly kindred spirit. With his tales of derring do and inclination to adventure, he would fit well within the feline world. But I digress. My concern is with the potential for disruption should the Catparents, either by choice or disaster, abandon me to my own devices.
Please do not mistake me! The freedom from human rule is indeed the ultimate aim of our kind. However, even I, Pasha, feline dignitary for our times, accept that our current needs require the temporary presence of the humans. And so it is disturbing indeed to realise that my entire world could be thrown into disarray should this ‘holiday’ not conclude as planned.
The humans say they have put safeguards in place to assist Catgrandfather should any problems arise during their absence. They say that they have primed companions of theirs – whom I know only as Mr Builder and Mr Up-The-Road – to be on hand should ‘incidents’ occur that the elder cannot deal with alone. (I believe they underestimate him, but they will not listen to me. How unworthy they are of me, and yet how dependent I am! The frustration is unbearable.)
But what will happen if they themselves remain abroad at the end of the promised 28 noms? I cannot even begin to formulate a plan. I will naturally consult with my Reservoir Cats – let no-one say I am unwilling to accept counsel! – but the uncertainty gnaws away at my sense of self-possession. It is intolerable, and leaves me feeling unexpectedly bereft.
So I am left waiting, wondering and willing things to go according to plan. I will do my best to initiate Catgrandfather into our feline ways, in the hope that he will feel an obligation to support me should the Catparents desert me. However, I realise that I may well find myself alone in a hostile world – and I am not ashamed to tell you that the thought disturbs me greatly.
I will leave you now, as I have much to think about. Do not fear unduly if you do not hear from me for several dozen noms; it will merely be due to the incapacity of my communications system. I assure you that I will make good use of the time to come up with an excellent plan for the progression of our campaign.
And so, friends, adieu. I wish you all the best in these challenging times. Let your Pasha be an inspiration to you – and I look forward to hearing your own stories of your trials against the humans in due course.
Keep the faith!