Segment 3.3

Inside Emmy Garland’s unit, a hoarse, male whisper admonished, “Pretend I’m not here.” Sugar pulled the jacket over the kitten’s head and knocked again. The knob made a half turn and stopped, resuming its progress again in a moment.

The old lady greeted Sugar with an angelic smile. “Why…it’s you, neighbor. Was I expecting you?”

The kitten struggled and Sugar swayed to keep it in her grasp. “Not right away but you said that you’d help me out if I needed you.”

“Did I? That does sound like me, doesn’t it?”

“It was. Believe me. I hate to be pushy, but could I possibly come in right now?”

“Sure. Maybe I’ll introduce you to Bertie.”

“I’d like that.”

The unit smelled of something meaty and a shade sour. Sugar took a few steps inside and then loosed the kitten. He scampered off, waving his tail, intent on something under a china closet.

“Oh my stars! It’s exactly what I needed,” Emmy exclaimed, her eyes brimming with tears. She laid a kiss on Sugar’s cheek. “How did you know I had mice?”

“Um…you told me.”

“Did I? I must have. Well, you are a sweetheart to think of me. Come have some lemonade.”

“I can’t stay,” Sugar informed her.

“Oh,” Emmy said. “Well. You should meet Bertie. I don’t believe you’ve ever met.” She led the way into the living room, coming to a halt in front of the sofa. “That’s peculiar. He was here just now.”

Sugar spied a hand disappearing over the top of the patio wall.

“Next time,” Emmy told her. “You’d like Bertie. He’s such a gentleman.” Her attention fell on the cat as he scuttled along the baseboard, chasing a sound only he could hear. “Little scamp! What do you call him?”

Sugar retrieved the kitten and kissed him. “Pal. Goodbye to you, my friend. I hope I will see you often.” She handed the kitten to Emmy and turned away, fighting tears.