The Sanitarium's New Assistant

“Have the new cases of food come in yet, Renn?”

Dr Bellen was at his desk in his office. The warm sunshine outside bid him come enjoy the pleasant summer day, but he had administrative tasks to finish.

He was making certain that there were enough supplies at the Cosy Apartment Feline Sanitarium for the residents. He was being helped by his able assistant, Renn. Today, however, Renn was seeming a little less than able.

“Renn? Renn!”

Renn started and looked up from where he sat on his chair near the doctor. The friendly face, thinner than it once had been, was alert, but had not been. The cat was growing more deaf with time, though the human did not think that was the problem here.

“Are you all right?”

“Oh yes, I am. Food, right. Yes, it came in this morning. We have plenty, Doctor.”

Dr Bellen returned to the papers in front of him, but glanced up again.

“Something is troubling you, I think, Renn. What is it?”

The old cat looked a bit sheepish, and a little chagrined.

“Am I doing a good job as your assistant, Doctor?”

“Of course you are,” answered the human, surprised. “You always have been. I don’t think I’ve ever had reason to complain about your work, or your behaviour. Well, except when the pawdicurist has to cut your claws…”

“I’m always worried she’ll cut too close…”

Dr Bellen put down his pen and looked more steadily at the cat.

“What’s the matter, Renn?”

“You have a new assistant…”

“Imogen?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, I see. You’re worried that she’s going to take your place…”

“I can still do a lot of work around here,” responded Renn. “Don’t I watch while the food tins are stacked?”

“You do.”

“Don’t I make sure everyone is alerted to spills?”

“Indeed.”

“Don’t I complain when the staff is late with the residents’ meals?”

“More often when your own meals are late,” amended the doctor, “but yes, for the most part…”

“Then why do you need a new assistant?”

Dr Bellen smiled and walked over to the couch facing the empty fireplace. In the chilly months, a generous blaze would be warming the office, but in the high summer, none was needed. He sat and patted the spot next to him. Renn slipped down from the chair and, using the little foot-stool in front of the couch, joined the doctor on the cushion.

“How long have you worked at the sanitarium, Renn?”

“Oh…” The cat mused a while, and came up with a nearly accurate figure. “A hundred years?”

“Well, close, but more like thirteen,” corrected the doctor gently, “which is a very long time for a cat. And you’re sixteen now. “

“I can still do my job. I can still be a good assistant.”

“You can and are.” The human stroked the cat’s neck and back. Renn had very soft fur for an oldster and, if it was a little thinner than it once was, it still made him look quite handsome. “But I think it’s time you were rewarded with an assistant of your own.”

“My own assistant? You mean Imogen is my assistant?” Renn was astounded. He had never thought such a thing would happen, or could happen.

“That’s right. She’ll be able to help you tell the staff when the litter has been thrown onto the floor, and make sure the residents are at their proper places at meal-times.”

“Oh…” This was different than being replaced, Renn knew, and he was impressed with his veteran status.

“But it’s quite a responsibility for you,” reminded the doctor. “You will have to show Imogen how to do everything. She’s never worked in a facility like the Cosy Apartment before. Do you think you’ll be able to do that?”

Renn nodded vigorously.

“Oh, yes, I can do that, Doctor. I will see to it that Imogen knows everything about the Cosy Apartment, from the linen closets to the laundry to the screens on the windows. You can depend on me.”

“I do, Renn, every day.” Dr Bellen regarded the cat, of whom, really, he was quite fond. “Now, what about a chest-rub before we check the store-rooms?”

Renn purred…