Owls and Crows and Boogers, Oh My!

 A Sunday rumination by some of our friends, the cats.

            “Toots, Sweetie,” said Suzy one night, “What is it that we Cautious™ cats need most of all?”
            “You might ask yourself that question,” said Toots thoughtfully. “But if you ask me, after food, love, and shelter, we need comforting.”
            “And why do you think that is,” inquired Suzy.
            “To be frank, (shut up Willie) with great learning and awareness comes anxiety, that niggling unease. Possibilities suggest themselves during the dark hours, the goblin hours, when fears rise up and taunt a girl.
            “The academic knowledge that the greatest number of possibilities never materialize doesn’t seem to take away from their power to trouble. These things are like a wicked faery who just won’t shut up!”
            “So, what is the remedy, my dear?” said Suzy.
            “In the long run, it’s trust,” said Toots.
            “And why is that?” said Suzy.
            “Because you must be able to trust him, or her, who is your comforter. They must be able to address your misgivings and anxieties in a believable way!” retorted Toots, a little passionately.
            “Can you suggest an example,” said Suzy.
            “Let’s see. Well, the latest thing was those migrating Hairy People down at the creek making all that noise and trying to kid everybody by faking bird noises. I was afraid for a while. Now, my Gentleman, is a great comfort. I know I can trust him when he says that no traveling Booger parade is going to come into the house and shop and pull our ears and tails off of us.”
            “I think that’s right, Toots,” said Suzy. “I experience a similar reassurance, when I hear some shockingly sinister noise in or around the house and she tells me that it’s alright. If she says it’s alright, then I have to accept that and sit back down and breath easily,” said Suzy. “Trust is our part of the bargain and also being careful about who we trust.”
            Willie had actually been awake and listening to the girls.
            “I think you, Suzy, and Toots, need to realize that you’re not in charge of much!” he said, laughing a little.
            “Don’t be so solemn and fat headed! Let it be! Be thankful and Purr™ all the time. It’s really about all you can do!” he said.
            “Trust me!” laughed Willie.
            Both girls turned their tails toward him, but secretly, they were comforted.