A Truce

Lynn and Precious were quite right in terming the arrangement among the adult girlcats in regard to the Tempos a truce. It is a precarious one, however, as may be illustrated as follows.

Imogen’s favourite spot on the bed is on the near side of the pillow. Indigo will usually occupy a more general position, which will sometimes seem to block Imo from reaching her place. In this instance, Miss Silky climbed to the foot of the bed from the stairs at the far end. She then gauged conditions, Indie’s alertness, her probable reaction, etc. Then she slowly moved, like a panther slinking through the undergrowth, to the head of the bed, where she guardedly settled down. Indigo did not react hostilely, though the cats hissed at each other numerous times. I had to assure them that it was ‘all right’ each time they hissed. They would turn away, until something reminded them of the other’s presence. There would be more hisses.

Eventually, the girls dozed. But the proximity in the end was too much for Indigo and she decided to put more distance between her and Imogen. That accomplished, both beasts could slumber without insecurity, an insecurity they themselves create. Such is the nature of truces.