Stories
A
PASSION FOR HEIGHTS
I often think of all the cats doomed to a cushioned life in the confines
of a house or apartment, who are seldom allowed outdoors. What a
contrast to the free-spirited cat, who once gave us the privilege of
being her hostess!
At seven o'clock one morning, an elegant black cat with a rhinestone
collar appeared at our dinette window, meowing to be let in. How did she
get four flights up?
Protected by a pair of gloves and wearing an old coat, I opened the
balcony door, and she hopped in confidently. I proceeded to grab hold of
her gently, and asked her what she was doing up so high. She merely
struggled a bit in my arms. I cajoled her with sweet talk, as I carried
her down four flights of stairs to the front lawn. Upon release she gave
me a dirty look, and departed purposefully.
The same aristocratic visitor came almost every morning for a week, and
we went through the usual chummy routine.
One evening, while watching television, we saw her on the balcony again.
This time we kept her waiting. Her Majesty took exception to this
treatment, and leaping up onto our balcony railing, disappeared up the
brick wall to the balcony above through a narrow slit in the metal
panel. So that was her method!
We learned that she had climbed up as high as a dozen storeys, and being
totally black, had alarmed an elderly woman. We also found out that the
cat held reign in a house around the corner, but had this passion for
heights.
Well by now she will likely be found happily climbing far up the
unending balconies of gold.
By Norma C. Plummer