Colony

by Spun Silk

Part seventeen: Epilogue

Women and cats will do as they please,

and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.

–– Robert A. Heinein

Edward R. Murrow watched the whole packing-up procedure from the cabin with great interest, even so far as following me out to the Mustang with the first load. I headed back inside for the next load. I was whistling a jazz tune as I lifted the typewriter out of the wheelbarrow. My novel's hero didn't need to languish in that tough spot; I could give him a second chance at life. Reprieved! As I brought the case to the car, I stopped short. The cat had seated himself confidently on the hood of the car, and sat there with his customary dignity, tail twitching.

"No, no." I shook my head. "No way. You're staying here." He blinked, unmoved. "I do not need a cat in the city." I told him, chuckling. I scooped him up under the belly and dropped him lightly to the ground. He gave me a dirty look as I headed back inside. My next trip out found him standing inside the car in the passenger seat! "Look," I told him, exasperated, "I said no." His response was cool. My response was to lift him out again and gently toss him – a bit farther than the first time. He landed solidly in a graceful four-point landing.

The next trip out, showed him back inside my car – this time seated, high-nosed, in the driver's seat! "You aren't invited, you foolish cat." I informed him.

But I delayed lifting him out.

He noticed this, and rubbed his cheek luxuriously against the steering wheel. I crossed my arms and frowned skeptically. His wide green eyes starred at me, and he started purring.

Huh.

I had started to notice something of a pattern developing in all I had seen; Edward R. Murrow did exactly as he pleased.

And, in the end...

He pleased to tag along.

FIN