“Because there’s still a fucking pandemic! I know, it’s one thing if you have to go out for your job, like if you’re an essential worker or whatever, but come on, swanning around town because you’re bored, not distancing or wearing a mask, and being pissed at so-called ‘oppression’ is just such bullshit! And so stupid. There is real oppression out there, and it’s not affecting these assholes who are being asked to wear a mask.”
Hmm, Milo thought, watching his human storm around the kitchen. Something’s got her all riled up. He flicked his tail, content to perch on his carpeted tower. All the better to survey his domain. His human had been spending a lot more time at home lately. At first, it had annoyed Milo, but he’d quickly gotten used to having her around. He actually preferred it, not that he’d ever let her know.
“Exactly! When the hell did public health become political? I don’t get it, I just don’t. And Greg, flying across the country because, what, he bought a cheap ticket six months ago and doesn’t want to waste it? He’s a doctor, for fuck’s sake! You’d think he’d know better. Of course, most doctors are just technicians anyway, right? Just follow the fucking procedure, and to hell with logic or the scientific method.”
Milo yawned. It seemed like she was yelling into that little device more often than usual. The first few times she had use it, when he was a kitten, he had thought she was talking to him. Eventually he learned that the device (which she did not appreciate him chewing on) let her talk to people who weren’t there. Although he still didn’t know why she’d want to – he would never interact with more creatures like her, if he had the choice.
“I know I need to calm down, Tara! It’s all just fresh right now, since I had to go to the grocery store and avoid all the assholes who don’t give a shit.”
Milo watched as she paced the room. She was really upset this time. If she were like him (the clearly superior creature), her hackles would be raised and she’d be spitting. She glanced up at him, and her face softened.
“Heh, Milo’s staring at me with a weird look on his face. He must know something’s up. Yeah, I know you gotta go, sorry for ranting. I just can’t…” she shook her head. “Anyway, we’ll catch up again next week, yeah? Bye!”
She dropped the device on the couch with a sigh, before smiling up at him and walking over.
“Who’s my handsome cat?” she cooed, reaching up to scratch his head. He deigned to let her, a purr rumbling in his chest. “You’re so much smarter than all the people out there, aren’t you?”
Of course, Milo thought, standing and stretching luxuriously. He jumped down from his tower and led her into the kitchen, turning his head back a few times to make sure she was following.
“You’re right, it is dinner time,” she said, laughing. “I’m coming!”
Milo felt smug as he ate his dinner; he could always make her feel better when she was upset.
Not that he cared how she felt…
© The Lightning Tower, 2020