The Garden Cat

Michael Stanley had taken himself out in Miss Peeg’s garden all about him were the sounds of busy nature, bees and birds. Even a cat had joined him finding a place in the Arillium border to wash its paws. The only thing out there he mused that wasn’t productive was himself. He was finding it hard going to get his strength back after his heart attack. Although embarrassed at the time he was glad Winnie had come to his rescue.

She always came straight home from her job arriving at half past four and made tea. He wasn’t supposed to have custard tarts but at his age there weren’t many things left in life to enjoy and custard tarts were a favorite of his and so she brought them from Lucy’s but only allowing him one. He’d brought out a saucer of milk for the cat, he didn’t know who it belong to but it had taken up residence in Winnie’s garden.

The cat ignored the milk for awhile until he finished up his bath and then walked over like milk in the garden was expected and what had taken him so long to figure that out.

“She’ll not be happy about that you know, squashing down her flower border.” The cat paid no attention to him, he checked his watch…

Winnie came quickly up the walk to her front door and unlocked it. She went through to the kitchen and plugged in the kettle and set her bakery box on the counter. She could see him through the kitchen window in the garden and thought how right it was that he was there. Waiting for the kettle to boil she set two tarts on a plate and added napkins, cream and sugar.

Tray in hand she went through the back door out into the garden, “It’s good to see you outside.” She smiled and set the tray down on the little iron table.

“I’ve been coming out daily and having a walk around, you’ve caught me today sitting down.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re getting around a bit.” She fussed over his teacup and handed him a plate with the tart. “Tomorrow I’ve taken the day off. You have a doctor’s appointment in the morning and I thought we’d make a day of it. There’s a new book store opening in Coffs…we might have a wander in there.”

“Winnie I do hate for you to take time from your work on my account.”

“Nonsense, I do a fair job when I’m there and almost never take any time off and Mr. Roberts was happy for me to take the time. Oh, there’s a cat.”

“Yes, have you not met him?”

“I’ve not seen him before where do you reckon he comes from?”

“I don’t know but he seems to like it here, I gave him a saucer of milk earlier.”

Winnie smiled, “Well no wonder he likes it here.”

“He’s been at your border along there…”

“Ah I see, not much damage done and no one sees it but us anyway.”

“I’m quite like that cat…you gave me a saucer of milk…and I like it here too.” He smiled at Winnie and that made her day.