Up ahead of me, along an alley, a svelte and inky cat saunters toward a teen chipmunk who runs toward—not away from—the predator. I tense, ready to break into a banshee-shrieking saving sprint. The chipmunk rears to place his clawed paws on the cat’s face. She bends her black neck until their snouts touch. I brace for the rending, for the sickening scream of pain. Idiot rodent hasn’t a hope. Early morning summer sun gilds the tableau. Time slows to treacle. She-cat turns to leisurely walk on, boy chippy hopping at her side, my own mouth unbecomingly agape.
Samantha Bennett, a freelance writer and animal caregiver in British Columbia, can be found reading, blissfully oblivious to the sandwich dripping its innards down her chest. Instagram: @soinsmillepattes