Andy’s Antics - Halloween

Claire turned onto Pine Drive, her eyes already watching about five houses down for the little cat she anticipated she would see. It had become a part of the day that she looked forward to. Nearly every day, as she drew closer to the house, a little cat came running down the driveway to see her. Claire would give the cat a few pats and some words of praise, and the cat would respond by rubbing against her legs and purring, clearly enjoying the extra affection. Today was no different. Claire smiled as she scratched the cat under her collar, which was pale pink with tiny blue pawprints. After a minute or so, Claire straightened back up and continued her walk. As she walked, it occurred to her that she could give the owners a toy for the cat. It would probably be a better choice than treats, since she couldn’t know what food the owners allowed. Content with this thought, she continued her walk, her mind forming the list of things that she needed to do that day.

A few days later, Claire was again on Pine Drive. The toy she’d bought was in her hand. She slowed her pace as she approached the house, but the cat didn’t come running as she often did. Claire hesitated for a moment. Would the owners think she was strange? But then, surely the cat greeted many people throughout the day. It was possible Claire wasn’t the first to comment on how friendly the cat was or even the first to give the cat some sort of gift.

She walked slowly up to the front door and rang the bell. A moment passed. Then two. Claire was about to leave when the door opened. The kid who stood in front of her looked to be about seventeen years old. He had sandy hair that was styled with a bit of spike in the front. He had bright blue eyes that could probably win over any girl in his classes at school.

Claire spoke first. “Umm, hi. I know this might be strange, but I just love that your cat greets me almost every time I pass your house when I’m out for a walk. I bought her a little toy.”

The boy stared back, as if he were confused. “My cat?”

“Yeah, she’s gray with stripes, and she wears a pale pink collar with -”

“Little blue pawprints.” The boy finished the sentence for her, very quietly.

“Yeah!”

“I, umm, well, this is weird. I used to have a cat like that. It was a very long time ago, when I was, like ten or something. But she died.” He stared at Claire as if he couldn’t believe his own words.

“Wait. What? I’ve seen her!” Claire exclaimed.

The boy shook his head. “That cat has been gone for years. Anyway, sorry, but I have to get back to some stuff here.” He seemed suddenly sad, and looked at the floor, seemingly unable to continue looking at the person before him.

Perplexed, Claire nodded. “Oh. Okay, well sorry to bother you.”

The boy gave a nod and attempted a half smile for the sake of politeness, but still he didn't meet Claire's eyes. Then he closed the door.

Claire continued on her walk, walking quickly, her hands shaking, her mind working. What was going on? She had seen the cat so many times! She had touched it! But the kid had said she’d died long ago.

Inside the house, the boy turned around and stood against the door, laughing.

His mother came down the stairs right then and saw her son. “Who was at the door?”

“Oh, nobody, Mom.” He tried to stifle his laugh.

“Did you do it again? Andrew! Seriously! Stop messing with people!” his mother said, exasperated. This was the second time that day that he’d pulled the stunt that he thought was so funny. She shook her head and went out the door.

She could see the woman far up the street, but it wouldn’t be too difficult to catch up.

Claire heard fast steps behind her and then heard an urgent, “Ma’am? Ma’am? Can you hold on a sec?”

Claire looked over her shoulder and saw a petite woman following her.

“Yes?”

“I’m so sorry.” She paused to catch her breath. “My kid. It’s nearly Halloween, and he’s pulling this stupid prank on people. A lot of people pet our cat when they walk. Our cat just loves everyone. Anyway, he kept her inside for part of the day yesterday and today. You’re at least the second person he’s tried to mess with. I can promise you that the cat is fine. He didn’t even have a cat when he was a little kid, and that dumb story is completely made up.”

Claire smiled. “Well, thanks for letting me know that I’m not crazy!” She paused a moment, and then she said, “I knocked on your door because I bought a toy for your cat. Do you want it?”

The woman shrugged and smiled. “Sure you still want to give it? After what my kid did?”

Claire handed the toy to her. “I’m sure.”

“Thank you. Lindy Lou will love it. And feel free to keep greeting her whenever you want. My son had his fun, but I’m putting an end to it. I’m Rene, by the way. She held out her hand.”

“I’m Claire,” Claire answered as she shook Rene’s hand.

“Thanks again for the toy. And again, I’m sorry for my kid’s behavior. He has a weird sense of humor right now. I hope he grows out of it!”

Claire laughed. “He reminds me of my brother when we were kids. Honestly, it’s okay. I have to go. Thanks for stopping me and explaining.”

Rene walked back to her house. She went inside and picked up Lindy Lou. “Now, you have fun greeting people and when you come back inside, I have a toy for you.” Lindy Lou, understanding nothing, merely stared. Rene stepped back into the house and called out for Andrew, but there was no response. She sighed, walked into the kitchen, and saw a note on the fridge. “Back in an hour, Mom! Went out for a run!”

Well, if he thought he’d get to skip the lecture, he was wrong. His time away only served to give his mother more time to prepare her speech, which she intentionally made long, exceedingly boring, and very repetitive. Did she enjoy herself? Maybe a little. :)