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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/920812-Kovus-Second-Life
Rated: ASR · Short Story · Animal · #920812
A live-at-home college student wants a pet of her own.
I tiptoed along the wall toward my bedroom, freezing when I got to the door. With measured slowness, my hand reached for the cold brass knob. Without a sound I gradually turned the knob clockwise. My clandestine attempt proved pointless, he already knew where I stood. I quietly pressed the door open just a smidge. A smidge, for those unfamiliar, is more than an inch but less than two inches. My eyes glued to the ground, my right foot blocking the smidge, I remained still, prepared to stop his escape. Suddenly, a black flash of fur jumped over my foot and dashed down the hallway. How could he squish his body through a smidge? Obviously, he needed more fried chicken in his diet.

Not missing a beat, I tore after him. Certain I could catch up with a six-week old kitten. Not so. He darted into the living room. Oh Great! So much for covertness. Did I really believe I could hide a kitten in my bedroom? Without my parents finding out? Panicked, I ran to shut both living room doors. My heart raced as I heard my Dad's voice talking on the phone from the next room. On numerous occasions, he's said he never wanted another indoor cat. Ever. I guess college students can't take care of kittens. Whatever. Dash, tear, race, scurry, sprint, zip. Couldn't he stay in one place for one second?

Three weeks earlier, I found Kovu, lying in the road, covered with yellow jackets. So far, I had successfully harbored him undiscovered. Thanks to my parents' busy schedules. Also, they were used to me keeping my bedroom door closed and locked. My little sister liked to sneak in my room to try on all my clothes and make-up. Shaun, my boyfriend installed a new lock. I held the only key. Months had passed since Mom graced her presence in my room.

Kovu made a swift beeline across the coffee table, knocking Mom's favorite vase to the floor. "Aaaahhh!" I squealed. "What are you doing?" I hissed. "Do you want to move to the pound?"

"What's going on?" Dad asked from the other side of the doorway.

"Nothing," I called back. With both doors shut, I concentrated on the task at hand. Finding my precious kitten. I knew I'd have to tell Mom and Dad soon. They'd begin to notice something different. LIke the smell of the litter box.

"Here kitty, kitty, kitty," I whispered, not wanting Dad to hear. He'd be more upset with my stowaway than Mom. I'd rather get a root canal done than face Dad when he was angry with me.

A long, black, furry arm shot our from under the couch. "You rascal." I said as I knelt down on the carpet. I stuck my arm under the couch, groping between the dust bunnies and candy wrappers I stretched my arm, almost pulling it from its socket, "Come here," I begged.

"What's the matter?" Dad popped his head in the door.

"I'm fine," I said. My voice muffled from under the couch. "I can't find my shoe. Have you seen it?" I asked, turning my face in his direction, fingers still feeling for soft fur.

"Which shoes?" he asked, "You have so many. Are you talking about your boots? Your flip-flops? Or those shoes with no backs?" He counted off on his fingers while rolling his eyes. He thinks he's a comedian.

"Ummm," I felt fur and latched on."the pink sandals Dad. "What other shoes would I be looking for?" Kovu let out a loud meow causing me to produce a hacking cough noise. "Dust," I offered.

The phone rang, and he was off to answer it. "Finally," I said to no one in particular. I picked up my kitty, brushed his shiny black fur off, hugged him tightly, and kissed his head. ‘You little trouble maker. I love you!"

What a close call. I knew sooner or later I'd have to tell my parents I was harboring a kitten in my bedroom. I could always pencil ‘later' into my calendar. I glanced at my watch, eleven o'clock. Great, now I'm late. I rushed down the hall and practically tossed him into my room, slamming the door, I heard him meow in protest. "Sorry, Kovu," I whispered.

"See ya later." I yelled to my Dad as I scurried out the door, wearing my brown boots.

Class dragg on; the monotone voice of my sociology professor made it easy for my mind to drift. How was I gonna tell my parents about Kovu? Dad wouldn't care that I rescued him from near death off the streets of downtown Macon. Malnourished, covered in filth, suffering from an eye infection. He did NOT want any more cats. What would I do if he made me get rid of my new beloved pet? In three short weeks, I had developed an enormous amount of love for him. He was my baby.

My algebra class got cancelled; I decided to run home to visit with Kovu. I pulled into the driveway and noticed Dad's SUV parked by the house. What was he still doing home? Didn't he have work?

I stopped by the kitchen to grab a ham and cheese sandwich, mostly for me but also for Kovu. Walking down the hall I heard a voice coming from my room. Once again, I tiptoed down the hall, remembering I had left the door unlocked. Once again I gently pressed open the door, peering inside, I saw my Dad, sitting on my bed, with Kovu in his lap.
Autumn's baby kitten at four weeks...I think

Kovu when I first snuck him into my house.



A kitten drives a car

Kovu at three months.

Written for the REWRITE Contest
My original entry was
Kovu  (E)
Worst story contest entry
#907986 by NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth
© Copyright 2004 NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth (twinsis at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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