So Dobby, are you ready?
Dobby: Ready. (rubbing mom's leg)
(Dobby sniffing at the coffee cup)
Dobby! Nose!
Dobby: (backs away) Sorry Mom. I forgot. I'm really glad we are spending time together like this. I have been wanting to talk to you about something. (leaves the room)
(returns; spits something onto the floor at her feet) What is this supposed to be?
(Mom bends over to get a better look) That's your food. The same stuff you always get.
Dobby: No it's not. Where are the funny shaped ones? The pretty colors?
The pet books and documentaries say those were created by the pet food industry to make owners feel good about the food they are giving their pets.
You aren't supposed to see the difference.
Dobby: They taste better. When something actually tastes good we learn what it looks like. Don't you?
Yes. I do. I only give you the pretty stuff to keep your hairballs down. It's not good for you except for that.
Dobby: It has flavor.
It has corn meal and other stuff that puts on the fat and doesn't do much else.
(Mom points down to the little brown kibble on the floor) That is your primary diet.
Dobby: No way...
Way! You get other good stuff. I give you a little bit of lunch meat when I make a sandwich.
Dobby: One lick and it's gone. I don't even taste that.
I give you treats.
Dobby: One a day. Wow...
You are just too good at sarcasm.
I stand by my cat food choices. I ran out of the hairball formula kibble. I will get to the store in a couple of days and get some more to mix in with the healthier food. Until then...learn to like those more. (Mom points to the little brown kibble).
Dobby: Harsh. She is so cranky. Is this because that man you like doesn't like you?
NO!
Dobby: Looks like I've got my answer.
Although I am not happy with you about your little deception. Lying to me so you could keep your catnip "stash". Lying is bad. Especially to your mother.
Dobby: I didn't think you'd take me seriously. You were really excited? I thought you just liked him because so many other women do. Just following along.
I know. I'll get over it. (sniffles) Just like you need to get over the healthy kibble.
Dobby: (putting paw to face) Mom thinks she just taught me something. (winks)
***
Jesse turned her attention away from her aunt and uncle's flirting. Turning on her computer she got up and wandered over to the other side of the second floor. The ruined apartment. If there was only a way to find the money to fix this place up again. Jesse shuddered at the thought of renting the studio apartment out again regardless of the financial necessity. The realization that yes even a grandmother will lie to find a place for their grandchild to live. Even a grown one with a criminal record.
The walls were still torn apart here and there from the local drug task force's raid on the place. The only blessing was that the judge would only grant the warrant for the second floor. The raid took place just before midnight. The bakery itself was undisturbed and it's reputation was kept in tact. Jesse's reputation was only tainted by the rumor that she was naive and had poor judgment at times. She had gotten off easy. Things could have been so much worse.
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