Phoebe was in the middle of lunch when she suddenly began to sob.  “I don’t know what I will do if he dies.  He has been my owner for five years.  We get along great, and he treats me well., she said in between her sobbing,  Everyone was relieved.  She finally was talking and getting things off her chest.  “You’re going ti be aright,  The fact you are now talking about it means you are starting to accept the possibility you may lose your owner.  We should have updates later this afternoon about our families. Just now this, we all are here for you Pheobe, and will be with you throughout this process,” said Suzie.  “That’s right, my BFF, I’ll be right by your side through this discomfort you are feeling. 

Captain Cattiide said “On Catmoon when one loses a loved one or is feeling difficult feelings, we have ceremonies to help the suffering heal. Based on Egyptian culture, they involve meditation and a drink prepared by the loved ones surrounding the person who is hurting. ‘We could do that tonight to help Phoebe feel better,” said Captain Cattitude.  “That sounds great, let’s give her a drug to make her feel better,”  said Peter sarcastically.  “Let’s skip the drink and just do the meditation.  I think that could help her.  Is that alright with everyone?” said Suzie. Everyone agreed to the meditation to be done tonight after dinner just before Phoebe goes to bed

Captain Cattiide said “On Catmoon when one loses a loved one or is feeling difficult feelings, we have ceremonies to help the suffering heal. Based on Egyptian culture, they involve meditation and a drink prepared by the loved ones surrounding the person who is hurting. ‘We could do that tonight to help Phoebe feel better,” said Captain Cattitude.  “That sounds great, let’s give her a drug to make her feel better,”  said Peter sarcastically.  “Let’s skip the drink and just do the meditation.  I think that could help her.  Is that alright with everyone?” said Suzie. Everyone agreed to the meditation to be done tonight after dinner just before Phoebe goes to bed/

I will give updates on everyone’s family before meditation.  I think that would be most beneficial for all involved.  Everyone agreed and dispersed do their own thing until dinner tonight.

Two weeks have gone by and the safe house felt somber.  The “stay in place” order was starting to get on everyone’s nerves. In-house imbittered feelings rose to the surface and little arguments began to burst out over the littleness things among everyone. Suzie, got in a tiff over Peter using all the creamer.  Baudelaire got in a fight with Captain Cattitude about how messy Captain Cattitude is when he uses his litter box.  Phoebe is still upset about her owner being in the hospital with COVID 19.  Shadow is upset the household is in disarray and wonders when she will be able to use her powers again.

“Phoebe, wake up.  It’s a glorious day, said a concerned Shadow about her friend.  Phoebe lay comatose and did not respond.  “Please say something.  You are worrying us all.  I know this is hard but I know your owner is going to be ok,” said Shadow, tears running down her tiger marked fur.  “Phoebe woke up and looked at Shadow with dead eyes.  “Don’t you tell me everything is going to be ok.  Your owner is not sick, “ snapped Pheobe.  No, he’s not sick, but I know how it feels to love a loved one.  I lost my mother at an early age.  It devastated me.” “But, I slowly moved on and got on with my life.”  Don’t let this ruin your life…

Shadow awoke to find her BFF in the same exact curled-up position Baudelaire placed her in her bed last night. Phoebe was still motionless and curved in a ball. “Shadow walked over to Phoebe to see if she was awake. She was not. Shadow debated about waking her up but decided against it. “Phoebe needs her rest she thought.”

Shadow took a shower and then headed for breakfast. She told everyone that Phoebe was still distressed and was not moving. Suzie said, “Let her rest. I’m sure this is hard for her. We all know how emotional she can get. I’ll check up on her in a little. Meanwhile, you and Captain Cattitude can practice your powers. We may need them soon.” A loud scream, “NOOOOOOOOOO!!!,” came from Phoebe’s room. Shadow and Suzie immediately jumped out of their chairs and started running to Phoebe’s room. Captain Cattitude, Baudelaire, and Peter all looked at each other not sure what to do. Captain Cattitude said, “We’ll let you ladies take care of this. Baudelaire and Peter sighed in relief thankful they would not have to be involved.

Phoebe was still in a ball when Suzie and Shadow entered the bedroom. Phoebe was screaming “NOOOOOOOOO!!!,” over and over and was not awake, tears were streaming down her furry face. “She’s having night terrors. You never wake a person up from a night terror — they could attack you,” said Suzie. Shadow and Suzie felt powerless. They had to wait until Phoebe woke up. Fifteen minutes went by and Phoebe still had not woken up. Suzie was starting to get worried as Phoebe should have waked up by now she thought. Suddenly Phoebe woke up in a startle. Phoebe did not know where she was and was scared for a few minutes. Shadow reached down to Phoebe and gave her a big hug telling her she loves her, and she can get through this with everyone’s help. “Phoebe starting shaking bark-whimpering as Shadow held on to her. Suzie reached down and began to massage her paw, “We are here for your Phoebe,” she said. Phoebes whimpering began to die down, and she started to curl in a ball not making a sound. She became comatose once again and fell back to sleep.

Shadow has been in a depression about the use of her powers, now her depression is increased by Phoebe’s response to her caregiver being in the hospital with COVID 19.  It has drawn Shadow to Dark Techno.  She is currently listening to  Markus Volkner, a fav  Dark Techno DJ of shadow’s. Here is a Clubbing TV live-stream of Volkner in action.  Volkner has the shadowthecat.com  seal of approval this week.  

“Thank you for all coming to this important meeting. We have a lot to discuss today,” said Suzie. “First up is Bueadelaire on his update on your family members and how they are handling COVID 19, ” concluded Suzie. “Thank you, Suzie. I want every to know it was risky we saught this information. It could lead to us being found by the government. So I have good and bad news for everyone. Suzie your family is doing fine. No one has COVID 19. Peter, your wife was exposed to COVID 19 by her doctor during a routine appointment. She is waiting for test results,” said Bueadelaire. “OMG,” said Peter. “When will the results come back,” said Peter nervously. “We should know by the end of the day. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear,” said Bueadelaire. “Shadow your caregiver misses you very much. He can’t wait for your return once things calm down. He is COVID 19 negative,” said Bueadelaire. “Phoebe, I’m afraid I have upsetting news for you. Your caregiver is in the Hospital with COVID 19,” said Buedeliare interrupted by Phoebe whimpering and crying and screaming “No.” Shadow and Suzie went over to comfort Phoebe. “He is on a respirator and the doctors don’t know if he’ll survive,” said Bueadelaire. “I’m so sorry Phoebe. Know this you are not alone. Even though we have known you for a short time, we all care about you deeply. You will not be alone during this situation. You can talk to any of us about it, said Bueadelaire now trying to console Phoebe he lay in a ball on the floor whimpering saying, “No, No, Why God!” over and over. And then she became quiet in a curled up ball on the floor, her fur damp from her crying.

“I know this has been difficult for all of us. Phoebe, We are with you,” said Suzie. As difficult as this news has been, it’s time we discuss Captain Cattitude’s power and those of Shadow and our decision regarding the matter. Peter began Buedelaire, Suzie, and I met and discussed the issue. It was a difficult one because we could see the merits of the powers as well as the danger they can impose. We have decided Shadow should continue practicing her powers because we can see where they could be beneficial if the government finds us. She is not to be taught any other ones without first discussing with the three of us, Suzie, Bueadelaire, and me of what they do. We must admit we are afraid both Shadow and Captain Catttide have these powers, but the way they could help us outbids the way they could harm us,” said Peter.

“As for Captain Cattitude, he is to reveal what powers he has and is not to use them unless the three of us agree he can. We will have a discussion with Captain Cattitude tomorrow. Today is almost over. I think we have all receive news we need time to digest. The meeting is adjourned, said Peter.

Everyone gathered around Phoebe who still was not moving or speaking. “Is she gonna be alright, said Shadow wiping tears away from her furry face. Time will tell. We know she is highly emotional. “We all have to keep an eye on her and pray she doesn’t crack from the news, said Bueadelaire looking down at the now comatose Phoebe. With that, Bueadelaire picked up Phoebe and took her to her bed to lay down. Shadow went with him and try to comfort Phoebe by holding her hand telling her she will be with her through this fighting back tears as she looked at her motionless, quiet BFF…

It’s been three days and Shadow and Phoebe have not talked with each other. Phoebe was aggravating the situation by making loud noises whenever possible.  Up to this point, Shadow has been ignoring it, but a battle storm was percolating in Shadow.  She was reaching her breaking point. Today the sky is going to fall down. 

“Rock Me, Amadeus,” was blasting off the internet radio station Phoebe was purposefully playing. She knew Shadow disliked the song. Phoebe turned it up a notch, just to get a rise out of Shadow.  So far, the past days, Shadow had not responded.  

“Turn that crap off!” shouted Shadow at the top of her lungs.  “Yes,” thought Phoebe, it worked. “I can listen to what I want to listen to,”  barked by Phoebe in defiance. “You’re playing that song on purpose for the last three days to try to get at me.  Well, guess what, it worked.  TURN THAT SHIT OFF!!” Shadow hissed, the fur on her back rising up., Phoebe just simply said, “NO”. At that, Shadow jumped out of her bed and side-walked to the computer to turn it off.  Phoebe blocked her.”Get out of my way,” said Shadow her teeth clenching and her claws starting to jump out of her paws,  Phoebe got scared and backed up. “Fine have it your way; you always do,” taunted Phoebe in a roaring bark that caused Captain Cattitude, Suzie, Bueadelaire, and Peter to come rushing into the room.  “That’s enough girls.  It’s sad to see how you two are carrying on.   You’re BFFs, remember.  It’s just us six in the house.  What you two do affects the whole house.  We are concerned you girls are overreacting.  Each pushing the other’s buttons.  Phoebe we have heard you play that same song three days in a row.  Obviously, you were trying to get a rise out of Shadow.  Well, congrats, it worked.  Now, you two need to make up and start acting like BFFs toward each other,” said Suzie. Baudelaire said, “it saddens me that you two are not talking to each other.  When you first got here, you two were inseparable.  Now, just because, Shadow has powers that make you scared, you no longer talk to each other. Please kiss and make up.” Peter exploded,’” this is why Shadow should never have been taught how to access and use her powers.  She’s too young.  And this fighting between you two proves it!”

Phoebe and Shadow looked at each other and realized things have changed,  Shadow has changed.  Shadow wondered if things could go back to how they were. She has missed talking and giggling with Phoebe since the fighting had begun. Shadow made the first move, “I’m sorry Phoebe.  I miss your company.  We are BFFs, remember.  I promise i want ever use my powers unless we are in danger.  I could have used them on you during this fighting, but I did not.  I care about you and I don’t want you to be afraid of me.  I would never intentionally hurt you.”  Phoebe started to cry, “I’ve treated you badly.  I’m sorry, but I am afraid of you.  I know the type of character you are and you would never use your powers to hurt anyone.  I was just jealous because you are getting the limelight, and I am getting none.  Can you forgive me?” 

The two looked at each other and ran to each other and gave each other a big bear hug.  “I’m sorry,”  they said to each other.

“Perfect,” said Suzie now can you girls help me with breakfast.  I think it will be good for you.”

“I’m so happy you two are working on mending your relationship,” said Bueadelaire.   “Next time you two have an argument come to Suzie to talk it out.  Now, let’s all get back to work,  Bueadelaire how’s your family update report coming along?  Remember it’s due today.” said Peter

This afternoon we will let you know our decision about Shadow and Captain Cattitude’s powers and give you updates on your family members.” concluded Peter. With that, everyone dispersed the room.  Shadow and Phoebe were holding hands as they raced to the kitchen, giggling the whole way…

Everyone left the room in silence.  Each still in shock over what powers Shadow and Captain Cattitude possess. It was noticeable that Phoebe and Shadow weren’t speaking to each other and were briskly walking back to their room. Everyone knew a fight was brewing. 

Shadow got to her’s and phoebe’s room first.  She was furious at Pheobe.  “How dare her blab,”, she thought. Phoebe came in next.  She couldn’t even look at Shadow.  She knew Shadow was extremely upset with her.  As soon as she entered the room, Shadow slammed the bedroom door shut.

“I knew you told someone,” said Shadow scrunching up her face in disgust, her whiskers twitching back and forth.  “Who did you tell?” she concluded. Phoebe said, “It slipped out while I was talking to Suzie.  “You can’t keep anything to yourself.  You’re just a big gossip girl,” said Shadow grinding her paws into the ground. Phoebe began to cry.  “I didn’t mean to.  It just came out,” said Phoebe wiping away the tears cascading down her furry face.  “Oh please, you knew what you were doing.  you always know when you are gossiping, if not me than someone else,” said Shadow turning her back on Phoebe. “You think you’re better than me, don’t you?” said Phoebe raising her voice.  “You always think you are better than me.  I’m tired of it.  Go find another BFF.  You always have to have all the attention directed at you. Look at me I have an alien friend and the government is after me,” said Phoebe in a childish voice.  “Oh, and I built an interactive satellite dish to find him.  I’m such a superstar,” said Phoebe as she started to walk out the door of their bedroom. “That’s not fair.  I can’t help it that my interactive satellite dish worked and I certainly wasn’t searching for what I found.  You’re just jealous because you didn’t find Captain Cattitude, I did,” said Shadow as the pushed Phoebe aside to get out of their bedroom…

The three of them, Suzie, Peter, and Beaudelaire stood outside Captain Cattitude’s bedroom door.  Suzie was furious with Captain Cattitude.  What was he thinking? Shadow is only a year old.  She’s too young to understand the impact these powers can have on her and others, she thought. 

Peter knocked on the door.  “Captain Cattitude we need to talk to you and by we I mean myself, Suzie and Baudelinare.  We know what powers Shadow has now and we are deeply concerned she is too young to have access to such dangerous powers,” said Peter. “Please open up the door,” he concluded. 

Inside Captain Cattitude and Shadow were practicing her powers.  Captain Cattitude was miffed that somehow they found out what powers she has.  He wondered he told them.  “Shadow did you discuss you could stop time with anyone?”  “No, but Phoebe was outside the door while we were training. She must have said something.  You know what a gossip she is,” said Shadow highly annoyed with Phoebe. “Come in,” said Captain Cattitude. 

All three came into the bedroom and immediately started asking questions and passing judgment at Captain Cattitude. “What exactly have you been teaching Shadow?” said Suzie trying to fight down her anger at him. “Shadow is my responsibility.  I’m concerned you’re exposing her to her powers too early.  She is only one year old.  She is still a kitten,” said Buedelaire with anger in his voice. Peter jumped in next.  “I’m security around here.  I never would have approved of this training if I thought it was real.  I am totally alarmed these are real, and she should not have been taught them.  Hell, we don’t even know what powers you possess.  In fact, we know nothing about your abilities or motives. What is your motive that you came to Earth for Shadow?” said Peters. 

“I understand you are all angry and concerned about what I have taught Shadow.  First, I had to teach her these powers.  It’s part of her makeup being a descendent of Catmoon cross-breeding with Egyptian cats.  These powers would have come to fruition on her own.  She would have thought she was going crazy when these powers started entering her conscious mind. She would not have had any support when these powers became uncontrollable to her.  I have taught her how to access them and how to shut them off.  She would not have had that ability if it weren’t for me teaching how to do so.  I have also taught her when these powers should be used.  She is never to use them unless it is to protect her or us.  As you have said, the government is still after us.  And according to you, your government wants to capture me and dissect me.  I would like to avoid that situation if at all possible. As for her being one year o, she is intelligent and more mature for her age. I hope you do not start treating me or shadow as less than.  We are equal to all of you.  We just happen to have powers that can help us in this situation we find ourselves in, concluded Captain Cattitude. 

“What powers does she have access to anyway,” said Suzie still not impressed or satisfied with Captain Caatttide’s reasoning.  “The powers she can access is she can levitate, read people’s minds.  You knew about those two powers. The one I hid from you is the one ai knew would cause problems for you.  Shadow can stop time. And I realize that sounds alarming.  But, I have told her she is not to use these powers unless absolutely necessary to protect us.  She understands this and I believe she won’t use these unless it becomes necessary. 

“What exactly do you mean she can stop time and what does that mean,” said Baudelaire. She has the ability to move in time.  Time still moves for her but people around her time stops.  She thus can escape from a room or take away a weapon without the person knowing until she starts time up again.   “Could you have her demonstrate or yourself how this works?”  “Of course, I will demonstrate how it works.  Captain Cattitude began to wiggle his ears and swish his tail back and forth then wiggle his nose.  Color began to fade from the room and Captain Cattitude started to have an outer red glow around him.  And then time stops.  Everyone else was motionless and he was able to move among them.  He decided to move Shadow from where she was standing to have her standing on the bed.  He took Suzie’s hand and placed them together as if she was clapping.  He moved Peter’s weapon from out of his holder to place it in Beaudelaire’s hand.  Once he was done he returned time back to normal. Suzie was the first to speak.  “When did Shadow move?”  “Why are my hands together? Said Suzie. Beaudelaire was in shock.  “How did I get Peter’s gun?” said Beaudelaire. Shadow was the only one who was giggling hilariously. “You did this while you stopped time?” said Peter. “Yes, you remained frozen in time and I can move in time,” said Captain Cattitude. 

“I could see how these powers could be used to help escape danger, but I also see how they could be highly dangerous if missedused. For now, I want all training to stop until we have time to discuss this among ourselves if we want such powers to be used,” said Peter. “Yes, I agree with Peter.  We need to discuss this as a group.  I’m not so sure I want her to ever use the powers,” said Suzie.  Let’s meet tomorrow at 10:00 AM to discuss this.  Right now, I think we should all go to bed and think about what we discovered today.  It’s getting late,” said Suzie. “Yes, I am sleepy,” said Phoebe. Shadow just glared at her BFF.  She was so angry with her for blabbing…

The Setting

Phoebe was bored.  It was afternoon. Shadow was practicing her powers with Captain Cattitude. Phoebe decided to help Suzie in the kitchen to make lunch. 

“Hi, Suzie.  Can I help you?  I’m tired of not having anything to do.  A person can only do Photoshop for so much.  It’s been eighteen days.  I’m so sick of Photoshop,” said Phoebe,  “Sure, you can wash the tomatoes.  We’re having grilled cheese with tomatoes,” said Suzie  Phoebe grabbed the tomatoes out of the refrigerator, walked to the industrial-sized sink, and began to gently wash the tomatoes. 

“You know this isolation is hard.  I miss my owner Nick, so much.  Have you been able to see if our family members are safe and don’t have COVID 19.” said Phoebe beginning to tear up.  “No, honey, I haven’t, but we are working on it.  I know how hard this has been for everyone.  I miss my husband,” said Suzie with watery eyes.  “Is that why you are crying, Phoebe because you miss your friends and your owner?”  “Yes, plus other things,” said Phoebe.  “I’m worried about Captain Cattitude and what he is teaching Shadow. I’m scared of both of them,” said Phoebe now crying harder.  Phoebe, what do you know?” Suzie replied with concern in her voice. “Shadow is learning powers that are dangerous,” said Phoebe regretting she said it as soon as she heard it come out of her mouth.  “What do you mean?” Suzie said. “She can levitate, she can read peoples’ minds and the one that scares me to the bones is she can stop time,” said Phoebe realizing she violated Shadow’s trust.  ‘Why am I always gossiping,” she thought. “WHAT!” said Suzie highly alarmed as she dropped the butter knife she was holding to the ground.  “Nevermind, it was nothing. I shouldn’t have said anything,” said Phoebe trying to backtrack on what she said.  “This information you revealed is serious.  We need to let others know what is going on and discuss what we are going to do about it.  It’s important everyone feels safe.  Now, with what I know, I certainly don’t feel safe, “Where are Shadow and Captain Cattitude now?” “They are in Captain Cattitude’s bedroom practicing her new powers, I suppose.  “We must put a stop to this until we know more about these powers,”  said Suzie as she started to walk briskly out of the kitchen.  “Where are you going?” asked Phoebe now fearing her best would know she was the one that told.  “I’m getting Peter and Bueadelare then we are going to have a talk with Captain Cattidue and Shadow…” said Suzie.

Tossing and turning, her mind going a mile a minute, Shadow found she couldn’t sleep. At 4:00 AM, she snuck out of her room and went to the kitchen to run and slide to her heart’s content. She had never felt so alive with energy.  It seemed to seethe out of her pores. At 6:00 AM, Shadow went back to her bedroom and got under her covers and acted like she was asleep. Phoebe would be up soon, she thought.  She was not looking forward to the conversation she needed to have with Phoebe regarding her ‘superweapon’  comment.

As Shadow pretended to be asleep, she heard a noise come from Phoebe’s bunk bed below her. “Great, here we go,” thought Shadow.  More movement and noise below, Phoebe was awake.  Shadow decided to break the silence: “Good morning, Phoebe.:” “Good morning, said Phoebe with attitude in her voice back to Shadow.  “Shall we talk about what is bothering you?” said Shadow.’’ “Yes, let’s talk about how Captain ALIEN is turning my friend into a superweapon.  I know you can stop time, levitate, and read people’s minds. I find this all very disturbing  How do I know you aren’t reading my mind now?” said Phoebe. Shadow replied,  “I understand why you are scared. I am scared too.  I’m learning from Captain Cattitude I can only use these powers when there is danger present. I am not reading your mind.  I would never invade your space without asking. You need to trust me.  I promise I will only use these powers when necessary.” Phoebe replied, “Time will tell.  I know you are my BFF, but you are changing.  I know you got up early this morning and were gone for two hours.  What were you doing?  

“Honestly, I was running and sliding around in the kitchen.  I have nervous energy,” said Shadow. “You expect me to believe that,” said Phoebe.  “Yes, I do,” said Shadow.  “I have never lied to you.  You have to know that.  Please, can we go back to how we were before my powers came into existence?” said Shadow.  Phoebe changed the subject. “Come on let’s go eat breakfast,” said Phoebe. Shadow didn’t want to have bad feelings between them, so she said, “Ok, we can pick this up later…”