Martin Greenberg - Catopolis

“The view from my balcony is quite nice,” Stefan said. “Would you like to see it?”

Cassie followed him and was stunned by the twinkling lights of the high-rises and the perfect view of the lush park.

“I’m pleased very much that you are here.” Stefan, glanced at Cassie, his eyes luminous in the night.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

Stefan lay down on a soft rug, while gazing through the railing. He invited her to join him with a flick of his tail.

With her full tummy and the pleasing music, Cassie could not help herself. She lay down beside Stefan and breathed in air that smelled of the rich earth and sweet leaves in the park. She could definitely get used to this.

The next day, around noon, Cassie excused herself, and Stefan showed her out.

“It was most pleasing to see you, Cassie. I hope to see you again soon.”

“I’d like that too.” Cassie blinked at him, then sauntered away, giving him a good look at her hind end. After all, it was her best feature.

When she returned home, an anchovy that had been recently packed in extra virgin olive oil lay on the welcome mat. Her tail stiffened. It had to be from Big-Paws. He was the only one who knew of her strange weakness for oil-packed anchovies rather than the mundane salt-packed variety.

She sniffed around for the musky scent of Mr. Big-Paws, but a fresh layer of the reeking flowery perfume from the lawyer lady down the hall masked the area well enough that she couldn’t pick him out.

Cassie picked up the fish, tasting the bold and rich flavor enhanced by the toasted hazelnuts and caviar that it had been packed with. She made her way out the hall window, along the ledge, and onto her balcony. She wished she had her own custom cat door as she avoided the pigeon droppings on the stone parapet. She went into her apartment with its view of the street, and hid the fish under the bed, wondering if it really had come from Big-Paws.

The next three days were a flurry of activity in between long luxurious naps at Stefan’s apartment. The Russian was excellent company, always putting her first and making her laugh. She loved showing him around the building and spending time with him. Late one night they strolled through the rooftop garden. He stopped her by the pond.

“See anything different?” Stefan’s whiskers twitched.

Cassie glanced into the water. Orange and white shapes swam back and forth. “Fish? You had koi put in here?”

“It was my pleasure,” Stefan said, “especially since you so are happy now.”

“They’re beautiful.” Cassie was enthralled, and couldn’t take her eyes away.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Stefan brushed against her cheek. Their whiskers met, sending jolts of sensation through all the way down Cassie’s tail. Stefan said, “I have traveled very far in this world, but I have never met a feline as wonderful as you.”

Their noses met, and his scent overwhelmed her. She was suddenly smelling his rump as he pressed his nose toward her own tail.

Is this the moment? Will we make love beside the koi pond?

Suddenly Cassie backed away, her tail rigid in the air. “I’m sorry, Stefan. It’s too soon.”

He lay down, his patient eyes fixed on her. “I understand.”

She knew that he did. He was so genuine. And yet so mysterious.

Stefan stared into her face. “There will be a right time, and we have so much time to spend together. Especially if you come away with me.”

“Where?” Cassie lowered her head in surprise.

“The Orient. Together we can see many koi ponds in beautiful gardens. We’ll dine on the freshest sashimi, sleep in the most luxurious places. It will be wonderful.”

“When will we go? How long will we be gone?” Cassie worried about leaving her home, but she was excited about the invitation.

“We leave in three days, and we’ll be away for at least a month. Perhaps more.”

“It sounds wonderful.” Cassie glanced at the pond, noticed the ripples in the water. It was all so perfect.

The next day she had lunch with the queens. Abigail, Maureen, and Cam barely touched their food as they peppered her with questions.

“Who is this tom Stefan?” Abigail demanded.

“He’s very kind and has the most striking eyes. He’s Russian Blue, from Archangel, Siberia. A very good breed. His lineage stretches back before the court of the last czar.”

“Is he a good lover?” Cameron raised her ears.

“We haven’t done that. Not yet.” Cassie twitched her whiskers.

“When are you going to see him again?” Maureen asked.

“Maybe tonight,” Cassie said, “I’m going to tell him my answer.”

“Answer to what?” Abigail asked, looking a bit worried.

“He asked me to go on a trip with him. To the Orient.”

“You just met him!” Maureen exclaimed, skepticism causing her teeth to show.

“I know!” Cassie shook with excitement. “Isn’t it great?”

Maureen hissed. “No, it’s not, and don’t you want to be here when I have my kittens?”

“Of course I do.” Cassie glanced at Maureen’s tummy, which wasn’t showing a bit.

“She’s right, honey, especially since you haven’t done the deed. You don’t want to get stuck on the Orient Express if it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” Cam paused as a wicked look came over her face. “Come to think of it, maybe you do.”

“ Cam!” Abigail nudged Cameron out of the way. “Listen, Cassie. You don’t know this tom well enough to leave the country with him. Won’t you miss the city… and us?”

“Of course I will.” Cassie sat down. “But I’ve always wanted to travel, and this is my chance.”

“I better check him out,” Maureen said. “I’ll get in touch with my friend downtown.”

“Don’t go snooping around.” Cassie’s ears lay back as she tensed. “I don’t need you queens getting in his business and causing trouble. One of the reasons Mr. Big-Paws left is because of how you all meddled in our affairs.”

“We barely did anything!” Maureen lowered her tail.

Cassie snorted, remembering how Big-Paws thought her snorts were cute.

“What are you going to tell him?” Abigail asked.

“I don’t know yet.” Cassie looked at her paws. “I just want to get away from here for a while.”

Abigail bumped Maureen with her head.

“What?” Cassie glanced at her friends.

Maureen looked guilty. “Mr. Big-Paws came by two nights ago looking for you. You must have been with Stefan. I’m sorry for not telling you before.”

“What did he say?” Cassie asked with raised ears.

“Just that he wanted to see you,” Maureen said, “and say goodbye properly.”

“Oh, is that it?” Cassie let the faint hope die-as she should have done before. “Where is he now?”

“Gone,” Cam said, “like you’ll be pretty soon. He’s moved on, and so should you. But you better come back and visit.”

“You can’t leave us for too long,” Maureen said, and all her friend’s eyes got really big. Cassie knew how much they all cared about her. How could she ever leave and not come back? They were her family. She might even miss her human a little too, and not just because of all the shoes.

That night Cassie stayed home and slept instead of seeing Stefan as she’d planned. She thought about what to do and ignored Stefan’s pawing at her door. She wanted one night alone to think. The anchovy under the bed still had most of its scent, but dust bunnies had gotten all over it, dampening some of its appeal.

The next night she made her way to the rooftop garden, knowing that Stefan would probably be waiting for her. He sat beside the koi pond, his tail lazily moving back and forth.

“Cassie.” Stefan leaped up. “It’s so good to see you.”