The Cat’s Dreams – A Short Story by Caleb John Clinebell

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My name is Gerald. I am a cat. And there’s so much I want to do. 

But I can’t. I can’t seem to find the time. Every day I get so close to doing something that I really want to do, and then something gets in the way. I’ve always wanted to explore the attic, see what’s up there. I’ve always wanted to catch one of the birds that lands on the dining room windowsill each day, see what they have to say. I’ve always wanted to climb up to the top of the roof outside, just to say I have. 

Three orange-chested birds have just landed on the windowsill. And the window is open. I could reach them. Push the screen out of the way and perhaps fulfill one of my dreams. Grab one of the birds, hold onto it. Hear about what it’s like to fly.

But the problem is, every time I try to fulfill one of my dreams, I get pulled away by something more important… Just like right now. My owners, Jenny and Gabe are in another fight with each other. I hear the shrillness in their voices. They sometimes yell at each other until one of them decides to leave for a bit, usually Gabe. He’s quick to leave, that one. Seems these fights have been getting more and more frequent. “Married bliss” I believe they call it. Every time they fight, both of them end up hurt. And I pull myself away from whatever I’m trying to accomplish for myself… and I try to help whoever stays. Most of the time, just like today, it’s Jenny who’s still here.

I flinch and look to the door as I hear a loud screech from outside. Then I remember it’s just Gabe’s motorcycle as it pulls away. Yet, somehow, the birds are still there…! I could reach them. I hear them tweeting to each other, talking about the winds in the sky today. Now’s my chance!

I crouch down, ready to jump at them… but then another sound catches my ear. It’s short and sharp. My right ear turns to meet the sound, as I hear Jenny sniffle. I sit up and look over to see her crying, sitting on the couch… and my heart breaks for her once again. Just like all those other times. 

I look back to the birds, as I hear one of them say,

“We shouldn’t rest here much longer. We have a lot to see today, fellows!”

It’s now or never. What do I do? Jenny? Or the birds?

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It’s always a bit uncomfortable on Jenny’s lap after Gabe has left, as her tears fall on my fur. But she needs me here. She looks so hopeless after a fight with Gabe; until I jump up on her lap. It doesn’t fix anything. It doesn’t change what happened, but she seems to appreciate it. I just want her to be happy.

As I lay on her lap, and I see the birds on the windowsill leave, I know I’ve missed my chance. But this is more important.

There’ll be another day for my dreams. Jenny needs me. And I love Jenny. And even Gabe too. That’s why I’m there for them when they need me. It doesn’t matter if my dreams have to wait.

As Jenny’s tears grow less and less frequent, I look and see a small, blue bird land on the windowsill. The window’s still open. But Jenny is more important. I glare at him, narrowing my gaze as I think to myself,

I’ll get you one day…

As a large yawn escapes from me, I lay my cheek down on Jenny’s lap and close my eyes.

…Just not today.

And I smile because Jenny is not alone.