Earth Log Entry #6: Miniature Predators and Domestic Trust
Sonny arrived at her residence precisely on time.
He was wearing clean shoes. He had brought a bottle of wine he did not understand. He was optimistic.
She opened the door smiling.
“Hi Sonny!”
“Hello,” Sonny said. “Your dwelling appears pleasant and structurally sound. Also, your Raiders flag out front is very aesthetically pleasing.”
“Thanks,” she said, stepping aside. “Oh, and just so you know, I have a kitten.”
Sonny froze. “…a what?”
Before she could answer, something small darted across the floor.
Quick. Agile. Low to the ground.
Sonny’s pupils dilated. “That,” he said carefully, “is a tiny juvenile felid.”
She laughed. “That’s Milo. He’s just a baby.”
The kitten stopped, crouched, and pounced on a dust particle with lethal enthusiasm.
Sonny leaned down slightly. “On my planet,” he said, “predators of this size are not trusted indoors.”
She knelt and scooped the kitten up. “He’s harmless.”
The kitten purred gently and swatted the air.
Sonny straightened. “He has knives on his paws.”
She smiled. “They’re tiny.”
“Yes,” Sonny said. “So is his moral compass.”
They moved to the couch. The kitten immediately climbed onto Sonny’s lap.
Sonny did not move.
“I believe it is assessing me,” he said. Milo kneaded Sonny’s leg aggressively.
Sonny’s breathing changed.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
Sonny blinked rapidly. “My sinuses are declaring war.”
She tilted her head. “Are you allergic?”
Sonny nodded. “Violently.”
His eyes began watering. His skin flushed a deeper shade of #e88368. “I am experiencing full immune rebellion,” he said calmly.
The kitten head-butted his chest and purred.
“This creature is both attacking and comforting me,” Sonny said. “I do not understand its strategy.”
She laughed. “He likes you!”
“I may not survive his affection,” Sonny replied.
He stood abruptly. “I must initiate emergency protocol.”
He moved quickly to the entryway, searched his gym bag, grabbed the allergy pills Chad had given him, and popped one. The kitten sauntered over to him, tail high, unbothered by the proceedings.
Sonny looked down at it, eyes red, voice congested. “You are small,” he said. “You are efficient. And you will be the end of me.”
The kitten meowed. Sonny nodded.
“A worthy foe.”
Sonny took out his Earth Log device and started typing.
Humans invite predators into their homes and call them family. The predators are small, emotionally manipulative, and lethal to my species. I am willing to endure this for mating purposes. This seems unwise. The felid has won this battle.
