Tuna Breath

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Edna lowered herself into the armchair, uttering a little sigh as she did so. It was raining outside, with cold winds gusting occasionally and playing about the eaves; a good enough night to sit in a warm room after a long day. She closed her eyes and sat calmly for a few moments, smiling a little. Then her eyes flew open as something furry landed on her feet with an ungraceful THUMP.

"Well, hello to you too, Mittens," she said to the cat, who merely gazed back at her through slitted eyes, purring. "I guess you've had a long, busy day too, hmm?" Edna settled back into the chair again. "So many mice to catch; so many naps to take. Oh, and baths. Those are especially important, aren't they?"

Mittens stretched, then curled up on Edna's feet and continued purring. They both sat like that for a few minutes, and Edna turned her attention back to the sound of the rain outside. She was glad she'd finally gotten the garage cleaned out enough to fit the car inside; its roof leaked, and if it were in the driveway in this mess, its seats would be positively swampy by tomorrow morning. Another thing to feel accomplished about. Today had been a productive day.

"And now," she said to the cat, "I'm afraid it's time for me to get off to bed. That does mean you'll have to move, I'm afraid." Edna wiggled one foot in emphasis, and Mittens responded by rising up and jumping into her lap. "No, no," Edna laughed, pushing the still-purring animal away. "Get away from me, you silly creature, you've got tuna breath."

Mittens plopped to the floor, looking vaguely offended, and then stalked off to the kitchen. Edna chuckled again, but quietly. Then she went to bed, and fell asleep to the sound of the wind outside.