Cats
"I don't like cats," Simon said. "They're dirty."
"They're not dirty," I said, defending Blinky and all of catkind. "They wash themselves all the time."
"They wash themselves with their tongue," he said and made a face like he was grossed out. "But if you love cats, then this is the place to be. There are dozens and dozens of them here. I'll show you."
My desire to get out of the junkyard wasn't as strong as my curiosity. Why would there be dozens of cats here?
When friends came over,
Ghost played with everyone.
But when strangers came to the door,
Rainer and Eka turned off the lights and pretended no one was home.
Ghost wanted to help.
She fetched them toys to play with.
She snuggled close and licked their tears.
"People don't like us, Ghost," Rainer whispered, "just because Eka and I love each other."
Over and over they had to move.
Ghost did not like moving.
She hid behind the curtains,
and on top of book shelves where she felt safe
She hid beneath the bed, inside a paper bag.
Over and over, Rainer said, "Sorry Ghost. It isn't safe for us here."
Ghost knew that they couldn't keel hiding.
If her dads were in danger, she would be a guard cat.
Ghost listened for footsteps in the hallway.
