Almost a year ago, when I lost my first, beloved cat Twilight, I promised that I would write stories about him when I had recovered a little. Well, I think it's about time to start.

Twilight was a blessing from Bast, given that I picked him out because he was the only non-orange cat in the litter belonging to friends-of-friends. He was a tuxedo, with a full white belly, but no white on his face, and boots and gloves. He turned into a very handsome cat.

When Twilight was about 7 months old, I was living in an apartment with a "split" bathroom. The bathtub and toilet were in a room with a door, but the sink and cabinets were outside. The cabinets could not be reached while seated upon the "throne", so I decided to keep a role of toilet paper on the floor, just in case I ran out at an inopportune moment.

Twilight had never been outdoors. The only thing he hunted was strings, toys, and the occasional bug. But something about that white roll must have triggered the hunter instinct. I was sitting at the kitchen table, working on homework, when I heard a noise in the bathroom. Out from the darkness strode Twilight, head held high, with the role of toilet paper in his mouth! He had to hold his head up - it was the only way for the toilet paper role to clear the floor!

He was so proud of himself. I was laughing to hard to be upset, and I praised him for killing the monster and protecting me.

Being a poor college student at the time, I actually used that role. It just had teeth marks... lots of teeth marks... It must have taken Twilight dozens of tries to get ahold the toilet paper role just right. He was persistent.

I'm looking down at our current youngest, an 8-month-old tabby named Pixel, who is sleeping on the floor. Pixel hasn't messed with TP, but he really loves to drag toys around the house. While I will always love Twilight and miss him, I am so blessed with the love I receive from our six and the joy they bring into our lives.

Copyright © Kalynnda Berens
February 4, 2001

Read Kalynnda's story: What is that noise?