The Path to Us

by Jennifer Van Wyk

Richard lowers himself to the ground slowly so Zoey can see the orange kitten he’s holding while talking to Macaroni as if they’re long lost buddies. Thankfully, Macaroni only sniffs at the tiny ball of fluff and barks once then scampers off. Richard’s dog greets Macaroni with butt sniffs and tail wags before they run off to play. “It’s so cute. Is it a boy or a girl?” “I think it’s a girl,” he tells her and smiles. His eyes dart up to mine, full of mischief this one. “Did you name it yet?” “Sounds like a good job for you. Look how well you named your dog.” I grunt. “Cheese! Because she’s orange!” “See? I knew you’d come up with the perfect name.” “Can I hold her?” “Of course you can.” Carefully she takes it from his hands and cradles it to her chest, cooing and rubbing her face against it. Richard groans when he stands up. “I’m getting old, baby girl.” She’s too busy playing with the kitty to listen to him, though. “Suppose you got questions. Let’s get a glass of lemonade and sit on the porch.” “Did you make it your special way?” Zoey asks, not tearing her attention away from Cheese. Cheese. What a freaking name. I would scoff but like usual, Zoey’s being cute and pretty smart to think of naming the orange cat Cheese to go along with Macaroni.