This one has appeared around the Noel twice–originally on Literally Stories and last year on this site.
Far be in from me to prevent a possible tradition from setting in. Stranger stuff has happened. Not in bunches, but some.
There are famous fictional Cat names in this: Rhubarb, Toonces. Most of the others are named after demons, including “Amy” (no fooling). May all the roving fiends discover kindness, not just during the holidays but throughout their hectic lives.
Leila
Saragun Springs 
Leila
This is a charming piece which teems with life and well-deserves to be a Christmas tradition. The animals are just as alive as the humans, as in all your work. Your human characters are both realistic and likable – a rare feat.
I can add, in light of the Grinch’s rantings as a guest columnist yesterday, that you know how to write dialogue. It advances the story without being expository, it sheds light on character, reveals nuance, has humor, SOUNDS REAL, and is never overused in your work.
There are a lot of things going on in this story. It sheds light on the “real” meaning of the holiday season (or what the real meaning of the season should be) and it has a life-giving, life-enhancing effect. Merry Christmas Week!
Dale
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Hello Dale
The Grinch and Maximillian did a good job filling in yesterday. Although there is no topping your work it is nice to have support individuals around.
I honestly believe that a writer can improve her/his ear by being quiet and listening in public. Not in the busybody “Mrs Kravitz” tradition of “Bewitched,” but in a way to experience the crash and thud all around.
Merry Christmas!
Leila
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Mr. cat litter for brains missed “reprint”.
mm
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Hi Leila
Wow this story had so much substance. It is filled with humor and sadness. The details create a full image in the mind of the setting, people–and those cats! All kinds of cats with different names, colors and breeds. The title itself gets into your mind.
There was a motor that compelled the reader to find out why the old lady made her statement. You wanted to see if she was okay or not.
“I will never underestimate the evil in thoughtlessness.” This line kind of hit me like a lightning bolt. It was like traveling music. My mind traveled back to a promise that I made in an off-hand way. It wasn’t well received when I of-course forgot and broke it. When writing can engage your mind like this you know it’s art.
I like the inner life of the MC how she saw the world, and you could tell she was a good person. Excellent story!
CJA
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Hi CJA
Thank you for your excellent comments.
This is based on a PAWS shelter that has occupied a small house for decades. Cats only at this one (another for Dogs farther north). I visit a lot and there are some amazing fiends who live there, like a fella much like Shax named Big Dave.
Thanks again, Merry Christmas
Leila
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