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…

Introducing Rocky:

After the concert,  Shadow headed home in her SUV.  She was late from her curfew, and she knew it.  She awkwardly opened the door to her home.  In the dark, she could see that Thom was sitting in a chair waiting for her.  “Shadow sit.  I need to tell you something important… and life-changing,” said Thom.  What’s this about, said shadow a bit nervous. Are you ok?” said Shadow.  “I’m perfectly fine.  Please take a seat and I’ll explain,” said Thom.  Shadow took a seat on the sofa directly across from where Thom was sitting.  Thom Continues-   “While you were in the hospital, someone contacted me regarding you. They heard you were very ill and wanted to visit you while you were in the hospital.  Of course, no one could visit you, so they were unable to.  I guess what I’m trying to tell you is you have a little brother that wants to visit you.” (Dun dun music plays).

“What?!”  I have a little brother! and you are just now telling m?” said Shadow in shock over the news “Why have you kept it a secret?” said Shadow.   “It’s news to me too. Anyway, he will be here tomorrow at noon,” said Thom. “Do you want to meet him?”  “Yes, I’m just in shock.  I thought I was the only one who survived out of my litter,” said Shadow.   “Apparently not…” said Thom

“I have a little brother.  Who would have thought?  I can’t wait to meet him…

Shadow arrived at Phoebe’s place around 4:00 PM. She knocked at Phoebe’s door with trepidation. In her mind, she witnessed Phoebe blow up into pieces when the ship exploded. She thought Phoebe was dead. She had to remind herself it was only a dream brought on by the fever she had due to COVID 19. When Phoebe opened the door, they both immediately hugged each other. “It’ s so good to see you,” they both said in unison. I’m so glad you’re no longer hanging on by a rope due to COVID 19. I was really scared you weren’t going to pull through it,” said Phoebe holding back tears. “I know. I was scared too,” said Shadow. “Enough of this. Let’s focus on the Depeche Mode concert,” said Shadow. “I have bad news. The in-person concert has been canceled due to the increase in people infected with COVID. Instead, it will be a virtual concert,” said Phoebe. “Luckily, we have a big-screened smart TV that we can watch it on. It begins at 8:00 PM,” said Phoebe, as she motioned for Shadow to come into her home. “So, we have four hours to kill?” said Shadow. Yes, we can watch their music videos while we wait for the concert to start,” said Phoebe as she led Shadow to the living room. “Would you like some iced tea?” said Phoebe. “I better not. I drove here,” said Shadow (Cat’s get drunk from iced tea)…

After Shadow ended the phone call with Phoebe, she picked out her outfit for the Depeche Mode concert-  jeans and an old Depeche Mode t-shirt.  She was so excited to see the band as she just recently discovered the 80’s band. Her favorite song by the group is “Just Can’t Get Enough.”  It’s what is blazing on her t-shirt. She felt kind of sad as she now realizes she never met an alien named Captain Cattitude.  She was quite fond of him even though her mind made him up.  Phoebe suggested to Shadow that the high fever she had have maybe the reason why the dream seemed real. Speaking of Phoebe, she was late to meeting her at her house.  She changed into her jeans and t-shirt and headed out to Phoebe’s…

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Shadow began sobbing after her scream woke her up.  She instinctively felt her body to make sure it was intact.  The dream she awoke from was so vivid. She dreamed Captain Cattitude’s spaceship blew up and killed everyone on board  She was sure it was real.  “Oh thank God, it was only a dream,” she said aloud.  None of it was real, she thought. At that moment,  she realized she never met an alien named Captain Cattitude. And she realized Thom was still her owner.  Jumping out of bed, she ran down the hallway to

Thom’s bedroom.  “Thom” she meowed while she was running to his room. She couldn’t wait to see him to verify it was only a dream.  Thom opened the door to hs bedroom door as he heard Shadow meowing intensely.  “What’s wrong Shadow?  Is your litter box dirty or are you hungry?” 

As soon as he opened the door, Shadow jumped on him and wrapped her paws around his neck. Thom began petting Shadow and soon her meow changed to a purr. They both were happy to see each other.  Thom had been in the hospital a week ago as he was diagnosed with having Covid 19.  “I’m alright Shadow,” he told her in a soothing tone.  “I no longer have symptoms for Covid 19.  It’s been 14 days since I was exposed.  You can’t get it now.”  “I need to call Phoebe to make sure she is okay.  I had a very vivid dream that I was on a spaceship heading to Catmoon that exploded,” Shadow said.  “Everyone on board died, that included Phoebe,” she concluded. Shadow let go of Thom’s neck and started to head back down to her bedroom, so she could call Phoebe.  Shadow found her Pink iPhone and dialed Phoebe’s number.  A sleepy Phoebe answered the call. “Hello,” said Phoebe with a yawn coming out of her mouth.  “Phoebe it’s Shadow.  How are you?”.  “I know who this is silly.  We are best friends forever.  We are going to the Depeche Mode concert tonight, remember?” said Phoebe   I had a nightmare; I need to know that you are okay.  In my dream, everyone died when the spaceship exploded.  It was so vivid. I thought it really happened, “ said Shadow.  “Well, you have been stressed out since Thom came down with Covid 19.  I haven’t heard from you for a couple of weeks.  You were very sick Shadow.  You ended up in the hospital for a couple of weeks.  I should be asking you if you are okay,” said Phoebe…

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”, a twisting and turning, Shadow let out a scream. It woke her up from her dream Meow she bellowed as she realized it was all a dream. She sighed and rubbed her eyes, “Meow, Meow, Meow” Shadow said as she was so happy she didn’t die. And most likely Phoebe was alive. She immediately jumped out of bed and began searching for her cell phone. When she found it, she speed-dialed Phoebe…

Captain Cattitude is piloting the ship to Catmoon. They are less than two days away from Catmoon. Currently, there are meteorites circling the planet, and Captain Cattitute is deftly maneuvering through the meteorites, praying he does not hit any. The rest of the ship’s occupants, Shadow, Phoebe, FBI Agent Bouldevere, Suzie, and Peter are resting in their rooms. “What was that'” said Shadow as she was awakening up.

The voice over the intercom seemed to answer her comment “We were hit by meteorites. I need everyone on deck ASAP,” said Captain Cattitude

Immediately everyone made their way to the ship’s deck. They were greeted by smoke and fires coming from the command deck, “We need to get off this ship. There are escape pods in the lower deck. Let’s put out this fire the best we can and then we head down to the escape pods

Everyone furiously started putting out the fires in the command deck. When the fires were out, everyone piled into the elevator. It was a tight squeeze. Captain Cattitude pushed the button for the lower deck. The elevator zoomed to life; and within seconds, they were on the lower decks. “Follow me,” said Captain Cattitude as he ran out of the elevator down the escape pods. Everyone followed suit. When they got to the escape pods, they were shocked. There weren’t enough escape pods for everyone. They drool straws to see who would be able to go. Shadow drew the short one. Everyone gave her a hug and cried. Shadow was acting like a man as she realized her faith. “Hold on, hold on, “said FBI Agent Bouldelaire, “I’m staying with her,” The ship was starting to tilt to one side – everyone slid to the right. “Hurry, we don’t have much time,” he said. While everyone was in their escape pods the lower deck began to explode. Luckily, the other crew members were able to escape the explosion as their escape pods jettisoned from the ship.

Baudelaire and Shadow held hands as they knew their fate. “Caboom, was the last sound they heard. In a blink of an eye the ship exploded. Shadow and Captain Baudelaire become one with the Universe….

It’s been five days since we checked in with Shadow, Captain Cattitude, Suzie, Peter, Phoebe and FBI Agent Baudelaire. A safe house still has not been found.  Captain Cattitude has voiced concerns that food would last twenty more days at the most.  On top of that, the passengers are becoming antsy. Captain Cattitude decides to hold an emergency meeting regarding where exactly are they going to land and when…

“As you know the food supply for this many people is an issue.  We will not have food for much longer.  I give it twenty days.  We need to make a decision on where to go.  I suggest we go to Catmoon  The atmosphere is like Earth’s.  My people will welcome you with open arms, remember Catmoonian ancestors helped the Egyptians build the pyramids.  The planet has plenty of space and its food production is excellent.  Most of the food Catmoonians eat is what you would call vegetarian here on Earth.  I feel with COVID-19 still running rampant on your planet, it is the safest place to go. It will take us approximately ten days using wormholes and purr drive.  When it is safe to come back to Earth, I will bring you back.  Think of the scientific breakthroughs you may discover that could enrich life here on Earth,” said Captain Cattitude. 

“What you say is true, our food supply is dwindling and COVID 19 is getting worse, not better according to news feeds I have been following. Perhaps it is best we go to Catmoon until this COVID 19 simmers down,” said Suzie.

“What diseases could we possibly contract from your planet?  Would they be deadly to humans?” asked Peter.

“I have vaccinations on board for current diseases that you could possibly catch.  We planned ahead in case humans came back with me. You should be safe.  Most of the diseases can’t cross over to human DNA.  Shadow is the one most at risk, but like I said we have vaccinations,” said Captain Cattitude. 

“It certainly would be a new cultural experience,” said Baudelaire.

“As I see it, there is no better option because of COVID 19.  Shall we vote on it?”

“Yes, let’s vote on going to Catmoon until things calm down on Earth,” said Suzie…