You will remember my several stories about my wild marmalade kitten and his misadventures. When I got him (or he got me!) there was no fear in his little head. He chased my older, wiser cats with great glee, delighted when they screamed and ran. This went on for some weeks, until one day Baby (and the next day Bon Bon) turned on him and WAPPED! him silly.

Gizzi is now a little more cautious. He still chases everyone but Baby (my beautiful big Calico). But now when Baby enters the room, he stops whatever mischief he is into, crouches down, and puts his little ears flat to his head. He may try a growl or two, but it isn't very convincing. Baby just smirks.

I really hate to see Gizzi afraid. There was something valiant about him, before Baby stood up to him. Let alone, however, he would have developed into a real terror. He had to learn his manners, and he met just the cat who could teach him.

Nevertheless, there is something very sad about the death of innocence, isn't there?

Copyright © Renee Darvin
October 8, 2000