Baudelaire dashed to his blue Volvo sedan. He could not fathom nor believe that rocky had grown horns from the vaccine. However, there was no denying what he just witnessed. “What could have gone wrong?” he thought.
Once he was in his car, he sped up to the Los Angles hills to the base station run by the FBI. En route to the FBI base station, he called his friend, Dan, the Lab Director to inform him he was bringing samples and pictures of the effect the vaccine had on a patient. “Hello Dan, I’m calling from the road. I have just witnessed an extreme side-effect from the vaccine. I’m still struggling with what I just witnessed. I think you will too. Based on this incident, the Center for Disease Control should be informed and all vaccinations should come to a halt,” said Baudelaire, still shaken by what he had seen, “What you are saying is very troubling. What exactly do you have?” said Dan doubting it. couldn’t be that bad. “I don’t think telling you over the phone will fully show how bad this is if it spreads,” Show and tell is necessary for you to understand the full implications of this side-effect. I should be there in an hour, give or take. You’ll see then ‘“ said Baudelaire.
Back in Reseda, Shadow in the meantime was trying to calm Rocky down. “Rocky I’m sure Baudelaire will fix this, and you will be back to normal in no time,” said Shadow as she held him making sure not to poke out her eyes by Rocky’s horns.
Baudelaire rushed through the doors leading to the lab that gave Rocky the vaccine, Once in, made a bee-line toward Dan’s office, “I’m here,” said Baudelaire to Dan who was running tests for other projects. “Ok, give me a minute. I’m just about done here,” said Dan. “I’ll be in your office,” said Baudelaire. Baudelaire turned around and made his way to Dan’s office.
“Ok, Baudelairele let’s see what you have,” said Dan as he walked to his desk then sat down in his big, black, leather, adjustable chair. Baudelaire dug into the front pocket of his trousers to retrieve his cell phone. He then found the pictures he took of Rocky’s horns and handed over his cell phone to Dan. “What is this some kind of joke, Baudelaire?” Where did you find the makeup artist? It’s a good job,” said Dan. “This isn’t a joke. It’s real. I just saw it in person. I have samples of the horns also. Here, you go,” said Baudelaire as he handed Dan the horn samples. “OK, since it’s coming from you, I’ll get my lab personnel to start processing the samples immediately. I request also to see the John Doe this happened to, sooner rather than later,” said Dan. “In other words, go get him and bring him up here ASAP,” said Dan in a demanding tone. Baudelaire left the lab complex and made his way back to Reseda, speeding all the way…
On the ride home, Rocky complained about his arm hurting and feeling queasy. “Will be home soon, Rocky. These are normal reactions to the vaccine. You can lay down when we get home, which will be soon. “We are ten minutes away,” said Baudelaire.
Baudelaire dropped off Shadow and Rocky at home. Rocky immediately went to the couch to lay down. Shadow put a blanket over him and went about her daily errands.
Nightfall came early thought Shadow as she returned back home from her errands. Shadow went to check up on Rocky. She touched his forehead and realized he was burning up. “Rocky wake-up,” said Shadow as she shook him. “What, I’m sleepy. Why are you waking me up,” said Rocky in a sleepy voice. “AAhhhhhh!!! Meow, Meow. Thom, quick, come here! There’s something wrong with Rocky. He has horns, oh lordy,” said Shadow in a high-pitched voice. “Oh lordy!!!” continued Shadow. Thom came running into the room. “What are you going on about?. Rocky doesn’t have hor…Oh My God, he has horns,” said Thom in shock.
Rocky said, “I have horns?!” Rocky touched the top of his head not believing a word they were saying, “AhMEOW, MEOW!! This can’t be,” Rocky looked first at Shadow then Thom. “How, sob, can, sob, this, sob, be,” said Rocky now cry-meowing loudly. “It must be a side-affect from the vaccine, said Thom. “Call the doctor, Shadow. Explain what happened.” In the meantime I want to get a picture of this before it wears off, ” said Thom. Rocky was not amused…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go. They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
Shadow looked for openings online to get Rocky tested for COVID, but all appointments were taken. Shadow realized she needed to reach out to her friend, Baulderlaire, ambassadog by day and an FBI agent by night. “Hi Baudelaire, I hope you are well. I have a favor to ask,” said Shadow to Baulderliare over the crackling phone line. She continued: “I discovered I have a little brother, Rocky. Yes, I know, shocking considering I was told I was the only survivor of my littler. Turns out I am not. Anyway, he has been living on the streets for the last couple of months. His owner died and relatives would not take him in. Can you believe they pushed out a six-month-old kitten to the streets? Our concern is Rocky may have COVID from living on the streets. I tried to make an appointment for him, but all appointments are booked out for two weeks. Is there any way you can pull strings and get him an appointment?” said Shadow.
As you know, America has been hit hard by the virus. There are not enough testing sites; hence, people are unable to get tested. Since he is a kitten, it is important he get tested and vaccinated.. I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, self-isolate him and have him wear a mask at all times. I’ll call you when I hear something which might be a couple of days…
Rocky slept peacefully last night and woke up with a new found energy and over-all good vibes. In fact, Rocky was so excited that he slept well, that he walked up to Thom’s chest and then lay flat on his chest all while purring very loudly. Rocky’s goal was to wake up Thom, so that Thom would feed him. When that didn’t work, Rocky began to head-butt thom’s hand as Thom slept.
“What are you doing, Rocky?” “It’s only 5:00 AM,” said Thom. Rocky continued to purr and head-butt his hands. “What, are you hungry?” said Thom. Rocky began to purr loudly when he heard the word ‘food’. “Alright, give me a second. I need to use the bathroom,” said Thom. Thom sleepily got up off the bed and headed toward the bathroom, withRocky right behind him. Rocky was fascinated with the toilet when Thom flushed it. Rocky ran to the toilet and jumped up on the toilet seat staring down into the spiraling water going down the toilet’s drain..
“Watch out Rocky, you’re going to fall in,” said Thom. Rocky ignore Thom and began to peer further down the toilet. He fell in. “Meow, Meow,, Rocky screamed. Thom quickly rushed to the toilet and pulled Rocky out of the water. He was soaking wet. Thom then reached for a towel hanging on the shower rod and began to rub it all over Rocky until he was dry.. Rocky was howling while Thom did this.
Shadow heard the commotion and came out of her room to find out what was going on. “What’s happening. Is Rocky OK?” said Shadow. “Yes, he’s fine. He fell into the toilet. I think his ego is stung more than anything,” said Thom. “Can you take him to get a COVID test? I have to work today,” said Thom. “Sure, I can take him. I’ll need to make an appointment via the Internet. Hopefully, we can get an appointment today,” said Shadow. “Good, let me know if you can get him in today,” Also, see if you can get him a catologist to work on his PTSD issues,” said Thom. “Sure, ok,” said Shadow…
Rocky and Shadow heading out to a COVID testing site in Shadow’s yellow mini cooper.
Shadow walked over to where Rocky lay on the couch and reached for his paw. ( Shadow like Thom were wearing masks to protect them from getting COVID as Rocky had been living on the streets.) Shadow began to rub Rocky’s paw to help calm him down. It worked. In a matter of moments, Rocky was purring and no longer crying. “You are safe here Rocky. We will never raise a paw or hand against you,” said Shadow.
As it was 3:00 AM, Thom suggested Rocky try to get some sleep. “You can sleep with me, but you will have to wear a mask. We will take to get you tested for COVID tomorrow,” said Thom as he picked up Rocky, put a mask on him then cradled Rocky.
“Goodnight Shadow,” said Thom as he began to make his way to his bedroom. Upon reaching his bed he gently lay Rocky on the bed, Rocky had fallen asleep already. When Thom got in bed, Rocky moved closer to Thom by laying between his legs. Rocky felt safe now. Soon he and Thom were sound asleep…
It was dark and the dogs were chasing Rocky. They had him cornered. The biggest dog said, “We got you now. We are going to tear you from limb to limb. Have any last words?” The gang of dogs began to slowly encircle Rocky. Rocky’s heart began to beat fast. He heard a hiss come out of his mouth. The dogs lunged at him. “Hiss, hiss meoooooow,” bellowed out of Rocky’s body as he realized the end was coming soon.
“Rocky, Rocky… Wake up,” said Thom as he ran to the living room when he heard Rocky screaming. Rocky was drenched in sweat, his fur lay flat. “Rocky you are safe. WAKE UP,” In the midst of his dream, Rocky heard Thom’s calming voice. Rocky opened his eyes and the dogs disappeared like mist. He was awake. He began to sob. He was so scared. “You’re safe now. No one is going to hurt you,” said Thom as he slowly petted Rocky’s head. “Is he alright,” said a concerned Shadow as she entered the room. She had heard Rocky screams even though her bedroom door was shut. “He’s better now. “He must have had a catmare,” said Thom. “What were you dreaming about,” asked Shadow. His crying easing up, Rocky said, “I was dreaming I was being chased by dogs and they head me cornered. They were about to rip me to shreds,” said Rocky. “Did dogs chase you while you were on the streets?” said Thom. “Yes,” said Rocky as he held back crocodile tears. “A pack of dogs chased me while I was on the street. They had me cornered. One of the dogs bit me and I bled from his bite. Luckily, an alley cat came to my rescue. She had brought other cats with her. All the cats began attacking the dogs. The dogs were getting scratched up pretty bad.” “Run,” said the alley cat. “So I took off running. I ran and ran until I felt safe,” said Rocky now starting to calm down as he realized he was safe…
Rocky let go of Thom and headed back to Shadow. Shadow gave Rocky a loving hug. “Come sit. I’ll tell you my story, ” said Shadow as she motioned for him to sit next to her. “I’m surprised to meet you. I was told everyone in my litter died. How do you exist?” said Shadow. “It was assumed I was dead and was thrown out with the rest of the litter into a dumpster. I was very ill and thin. I was crying in the dumpster when someone came by and rescued me, my owner,” said Rocky. “He nursed me back to health, and he provided me a home and love,” he continued. “From my treatment from the previous owner, I suffer PTSD. Being on the street after my owner died caused the PTSD to worsen,” he said. Shadow said, “I’m so sorry for everything you have been through. You are safe here. Thom is a very loving owner. As for the PTSD, perhaps we need to send you to a cat psychologist.” I have had a relatively normal life. The worse thing to happen to me was getting COVID. I nearly died from it. The doctors were surprised when I came out of the coma,” said Shadow. I have a best friend that I do everything with. Her name is Phoebe, and she is a dog. Although, between you and I, I think she thinks she is a cat. I think she will like you for that reason. Another friend, a dog too, is Baudelaire. He is an FBI agent. He is quite busy. Enough of me, let’s get you some bedding and a pillow. You look tired,” said Shadow.
Shadow left the room and gathered up Rocky’s bedding. She thought to her self that perhaps she should have him take a shower. He was pretty dirty. Luckily, when she brought the idea to Rocky, he immediately agreed with her.
Rocky took a shower, even though he was scared of the water. He quickly lathered himself up, and was shocked about how much dirt came out of his fur. After he was clean and dry, he headed back to the living room where Shadow was waiting with the bedding. “Here, why don’t you relax and lay down of the couch. I have a blanket and a pillow for you.,” said Shadow. Rocky laid down on the couch and was sound asleep in seconds. Shadow put a blanket over Rocky and quietly left the room…
Shadow released Rocky from their hug; she couldn’t handle the fact that she was crying uncontrollably. “Come Rocky let’s sit on the couch, and we can catch up on what has been going on with each other,” said Shadow as she took hold of Rocky’s paw and began to lead him to the family room. When they reached the couch, they both cautiously sat down. “Why don’t you go first,” said Shadow. “OK, it’s been a rough couple of months for me. My owner died in November. None of his relatives would take me in, so I was pushed out to the streets, hence my current appearance. I found out about you through my owner, Scott. Scott knew where you lived. He gave me your address. He told me you were my sister and that I should reach out to you. You see, I’ve been homeless for the last couple of months. I began to look for you. When I found out you had COVID, I started making my way to you. I wanted to meet you before you died. I contacted Thom, and he told me you had been hospitalized and couldn’t have any visitors. I was crushed when I heard this. Luckily, Thom gave me an Obama phone. He called me when you recovered from your coma, and were to be released in a couple of days since you had no fever and your COVID symptoms had started to fade. I got on the first bus to Reseda. And here I am now, sitting in front of my big sister,” Rocky said fighting back tears. He couldn’t believe he found his sister.
Shadow was crying during his whole story. When Rocky was finished, she told him he had a home here with her. She told him she would talk to Thom. “Streets are no place for a six-month kitten,” said Shadow. Just then Thom walked into the room. “I hope you don’t mind but I overheard every heart-breaking, sad detail. Of course, I will take Rocky in,” said Thom.
Rocky stood where he was and began to sob. He was so happy he would have an owner again. “Thank you, Thom,” said Rocky as he made his way to Thom to give him a big hug. Rocky held onto Thom a long time. For some strange reason, he felt safe now…
Shadow didn’t sleep well last night. She was feeling anxious about meeting her little brother. He arrives today. Shadow decided to get up and go take a shower. While in the Shower, Shadow caught herself singing “Staying Alive,” by the Bee Gees. It’s been a rough December, she thought. AFTER ALL, I NEARLY DIED OF COVID, she heard her head scream at her. Enough, I’m alive and I get to meet my younger brother, she said back to her head. Shadow went back to her singing. It’s going to be a good day, she thought as she turned off the water and grabbed the towel hanging on the shower rod, and started drying herself off. “Shadow, Hurry up and get dressed, your brother will be here soon,” said Thom through the bathroom door. “I am ready,” said Shadow as she opened the bathroom door and stepped out into the hallway dressed in her special occasion clothes. “You look great,” said Thom. “Thank you,” said Shadow. ” He should be shortly,” said Thom. At that moment there was a knock at the front door. He’s here,” said Shadow as she took a big gulp of air. “Shall we go greet him,” said Thom as he began to walk in the direction of the knocking. Shadow began to follow Thom. Thom reached the front door first, so he opened the door. Standing on the front porch was a kitten, probably around six months old. He was alone. He looked fragile and rather thin. His grey and black tiger-striped fur looked dirty. In a small timid voice, “Hi I’m Rocky, Shadow’s little brother,” he said. “Welcome Rocky. Please come in,” said Thom making a hand gesture to step inside the house. Shadow froze upon seeing Rocky. She was upset to see how haggard he looked. “Rocky, this is your sister,” Shadow. Rocky ran toward Shadow, tears of joy cascading down his face. When he reached Shadow, he gave her a big hug. “Sister it’s so nice to finally meet you. Rocky began to sob which caused Shadow to sob…
