I was staying at my daughter Emily and son-in-law’ Josh’s house in Boston. Before Emily left for work, she reminded me to help myself to anything in the refrigerator for lunch. Ernie, their 16-year-old cat was fed by Josh before he left for work. Ernie and I would be spending the afternoon together.
At lunchtime, I was happy to find some soft sandwich bread and a small portion of sliced chicken. I slathered the bread with Hellman's mayonnaise and topped the chicken with sliced Campari tomatoes.
At dinnertime, Emily appeared to be taking the refrigerator apart, looking high and low. Ernie was watching this scene, meowing, as each refrigerator item appeared. “What are you searching for?” I inquired. “The Vet has Ernie on a special diet for his constipation, “Emily responded. “Emily, I’m so embarrassed!! I’m humiliated!! I ate Ernie’s cat food for lunch, "I humbly reported.
Back in New York, I keep hearing those soft mellow meows. Is it a real sound or is it a sound in my imagination. Is that beautiful jet black cat’s meowing telling me something? Maybe he misses me or maybe he’s telling me, “I’m glad you went home.” Maybe he’s saying, “A seven day visit is enough and if you visit again, promise you won’t eat my food next time.”
Ethyl Haber
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