They were having coffee and doughnuts with Ma in the parlor when the subject came up.  Edna had been wondering whether they could leave that French cat with Ma while they were away.  It would give her some company.

"A French cat?," Ma asked, "What's a French cat?"

"It's not a French cat, exactly," Tim explained, "It's just a cat the French girl tamed over at the plant."

"A barn cat," Ma announced.

"It's awful cute, it's got white paws like the one in The White House," Edna said.

"Socks -- Chelsea's cat."

"Yes, Socks."   Edna helped herself to another doughnut. No telling where they would eat tonight.

"Well, what about it, Ma?  If you say yes, we'll get the cat, leave it here and be on our way."

"Forget it," Ma said, "No cats allowed."

"What do you mean 'no cats?'  I thought Mabel had a cat in her room, and Irene…"

"Not any more.  Didn't you see the petition?"

"What petition?"

"The cat lovers are asking people to sign a petition before they take away the cats."

Edna and Tim exchanged looks.  Could this be an exaggeration?  Just then there was an announcement over the intercom.

"Cat lovers revolt!  Don't let them take away your pets.  Act now!  Sign the petition in the lobby.  Won't you help get our pets back?  Act now before it's too late!"

There was a screeching sound and the sound of a scuffle.

"Now don't you worry about me," Ma said, "I have plenty company right here.  And I'll be happy just thinking about you two having a good time in Tinsel Town and Vegas.  Just enjoy yourselves."

Edna got up to go and gave Ma a hug.  Tim held onto Ma for a minute and said, "I'll call every Sunday, like clockwork."

"I know you will," Ma said, a tear glistening in her eye.

They were out of the parlor and out the front door when they suddenly came upon an angry mob of people waving canes and signs.   They were the cat lovers pleading to be heard and asking for folks to sign the petition.

Tim almost got hit in the head with a sign that read,
"_  _  _ '_    _  _  _    _  _  _  _  _  _     _  _  _  _  _  _?    _  _  _     _  _  _!"

(4 letters, 3 letters, 6 letters, 6 letters, 3 letters, 3 letters)

 Copyright 1998 J.J. Schnebel
All rights reserved

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