The Cat - PART 5

Nancy went out searching for the cat as soon as they were home again. She walked in the forest and called. She searched in all the nooks and corners of the house. But the cat wasn't there.

Some days later, Sue was eating her breakfast. Lizzie polished the old vase in the living room. Sue suddenly heard a sharp meowing.

"It's the cat, it's the cat!" she puffed.

Her enthusiasm went out when no one came running. To show her ability to manage animals, Sue decided to give the cat some milk.

"There you go, puss", she mumbled.

The cat arched her back and hissed.

"Mum! Help!"

Lizzie came running.

"What's the matter? Have you seen something awful on TV again?"

"The cat", Sue whined. "It hissed!"

"Haven't I told you not to disturb it? Now, eat your breakfast."

As the days passed, Jack became better and better. But he had to stay at the hospital and stand out with the electroshocks - until the doctor judged that he no longer was a danger to those around him. The family were happy for his homecoming. But Nancy couldn't avoid hearing his ill-omened words:

"If I catch 'that animal' again...."

Nancy didn't know how to hide the cat. But her chance came a few days later. The family would visit Grandma. 'Perfect', Nancy thought. Grandma would understand. Her farm was filled with animals. Perhaps the cat could be able to relax at such a place. Nancy still couldn't understand why her pet, who'd used to be so cuddly, had harmed her dad.

Nancy spoke with Grandma in private. But it was hard to explain.

"You must understand that the cat is sick", Grandma mumbled.

"It's not sick!" Nancy protested.

"But it hardly bears any touch. I think I must call the vet at once."

"No, Grandma - no", Nancy firmly said. "I can keep it in the barn. I'll hide it carefully. Just give me a cardboard and a soft blanket."

"All right", Grandma muttered.