Jack
Page 8
Yes sir," replied Mr. Stubbs, "John has done everything necessary to become a
member of the Split River Cat Patrol."
Sergeant knew he had to break the news to Jack. He walked over to the younger cat, who was sitting near Jennifer. “I have something to tell you.”
“You don’t look very happy,” Jack said. “Is it bad news?”
"Not bad news,” the big cat replied, “just unexpected. The situation with John has become complicated.”
Jack didn't know what to expect. "Complicated? How?”
"It appears,” Sergeant continued "that John is now a member of the Split River
Cat Patrol.”
“Does that mean I'm stuck with John?" Jack asked.
Sergeant shrugged. "I'm afraid so."
Jennifer walked over and picked up Jack in her arms. "You funny cat, what was all that meowing about?"
***
Sergeant walked to the corner of the lawn, and signaled for the other cats to join him, with a swish of his tail. "Tonight my friends, you have made me proud. You have all proven yourselves to be courageous and loyal. You can hold your tails high. Go home and take a good long nap; you deserve it."
All the cats sat at attention. "MEOW!"
***
The next day, Jack was sitting next to Jennifer in the backyard, as she picked tomatoes from her section of the garden.
John stood staring at his section of the garden, trying to decide what to do. It was a mess. "I bet Jack did this."
Jennifer was not impressed. "He was inside. You told me that yourself."
Jack moved closer to Jennifer "Meow: That's right. I'm innocent."
Jennifer grinned at John. “You know, if you don’t shave for a couple of days, your face is like sandpaper, but Jack’s fur is always soft. And I love Jack’s purr, it helps
me sleep. You snore so loudly, I’m surprised the neighbours haven’t started
complaining.”
John wasn’t sure how to respond. “So what you’re saying is....”
Jennifer stood up, holding Jack in her arms. “Jack is a lady’s cat, and you have some very tough competition.”
"Meow: How about opening up a can of sardines for your best friend?"
Jennifer regarded Jack with a puzzled look. “Did you just aske me to open a can of sardines?”
Jack rubbed his whiskers against Jennifer’s face, and purred.
The End
About the Author
J. Paul Cooper has been writing part-time for over twenty years. His articles, essays and short stories have been published in print anthologies, literary journals, magazines, and newspapers. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. J. Paul Cooper has worked as a Background Performer (Extra) on made-for-television movies and has written several screenplays, which he continues to submit to film companies.
Read more at J. Paul Cooper’s site.