We recently had a non-harmonic convergence of sorts here.

First, we got a notice from the property managers that our building will be sprayed for bugs on Monday. This is a good thing, as we have just recently begun seeing small little beasties to entertain the cats.

Second, I am in the bathroom, on the thinking seat, and happen to notice one of said insects crawling down the wall in the shower enclosure. Being a good cat person, I call out "bugbug!", and both Presto and Little Feet come running.

I have never seen two cats argue over who gets the bug before. Little Feet is in the tub, standing on the ledge, and searching for the bug.

Presto is climbing up *under* Little Feet, trying to knock Little Feet down, and basically climbing all over the same ledge.

Third, Senyah sometimes forgets to turn the shower select knob off, which is why I have gotten in the habit of checking it before I run the water.

Finally, the cold water knob spins well and easily. You see what's coming, don't you?

So I have two cats, one of which weighs twenty pounds, fighting over a bug, in the general vicinity of the cold water knob. I am sitting next to the tub, with my pants around my ankles. The shower head is pointing away from the wall.

Suddenly, two wet cats leap across me, using my knees (thankfully) as a springboard, as a nice shower of cold water tightens up all muscles except for the ones that know how to cuss.

Even better, I am applying disinfectant and bandages to my poor clawed and abused knees.

I turn off the water, and laugh at the fact that both cats are soaked to the skin - much wetter than I am. There is poetic justice after all.

Copyright © Mark Edwards
March 13, 2000