Cara leaned back on the warm stone. A cat, the feral one who lived under the old brewhouse, came to sit between us.
‘Careful,’ I said.
‘I had a cat when we lived in Italy.’ Cara reached out her hand. ‘Valentino.’
‘I wouldn’t…’
The cat raised its scrawny neck in pleasure as Cara scratched at its matted fur. ‘He would sleep in the bed between me and Peter, stretched out like a little furry man.’ The cat purred. ‘Peter never liked it, of course.’
I put my hand out towards Cara’s, still stroking. The cat opened its mouth and hissed.
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This is a 100-word Friday Fictioneers flash fiction piece, prompted by the picture above. This week provided by Scott L Vannatter. Friday Fictioneers is brought to us by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Click here to join in, or here to read some more stories.
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This week, my novel, Our Endless Numbered Days was picked as one of the top reads of 2015 by Foyles – a wonderful chain of bookshops in the UK. Click here to read more.
Congratulations Claire. It’s been an incredible year for you and very well deserved.
Ahh, thanks so much. Yes, an unexpected incredible year.
Dear Claire,
Apparently Cara has a way with feral cats. I like the way you’ve layered a back story into a seemingly mundane kitchen scene. Very well done. Congratulations on the book. Very well deserved accolades.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks so much, Rochelle. And happy holidays to you. Thanks for all your FF work this year, and congratulations on being published!
Eek! And congrats on both the story and your memorable novel.
Thanks so much Barbara.
Oops! People do that too – purr a bit, then change their mind and hisssss. 🙂
That’s true. Although I’m not sure the cat ever liked the narrator.
Cats know who the cat people are. Nice story, Claire. 🙂
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Nicely told.
As a non-cat person, I empathise with the narrator.
Thanks. We’re all generally one or the other!
Look’s like Cara has a decision to make. Probably better off with the cat. Merry Christmas, Claire!
Yes, indeed! Happy Christmas to you too, Paul x
Jealousy in a cat is not attractive. Congrats again and again on Our Endless Numbered Days.
Thanks Alicia. Happy holidays!
That’s how cats are (and dogs, and sometimes people). I like how you put so many snippets of Cara’s life into this. I think she and the cat have found each other. Peter won’t like it…
Congrats and Happy Holidays.
Hmm, I think you’re right. Peter isn’t going to like it, again. Happy holidays to you too!
I was waiting for that hiss. 🙂 Happy Holidays, Clare!
Thank you! Happy holidays to you too.
oops, Claire. Sorry
Enjoyed!
Thank you!
Some cats just don’t get men. One such. Congratulations on your recent success!
Nicely captured snapshot of cat behaviour.
Many congratulations on the Foyles endorsement!
Wonderful, Claire! I know there’s a lot more story here… but this pulls me right in!
I think there’s more going on here. The boy better watch out. Appealing story. Congrats on your success with your book.