Shadow and his unusual tribe try to survive after their old owner disappears, with conflicts and hunger threatening to drive them apart. Relying on friendship and hope to keep them together, they grow closer to each other through memories and struggles. But will their owner ever come back?

Cats Alone

Ruby sits on the seat of the armchair, looking down on us like a queen looking down on her subjects. Sapphire, as ever, is by her side. This is the stipulation she demanded, in return for her story being told. So, we are gathered, like little kittens around a grand parent, on the floor in front of the armchair. The turned-off TV guards our backs. 


“The dogs have told their stories,” Ruby starts, not entirely critical and not entirely nice either, “but now, it’s time for a cat story. A story of two cats,” she looks to Sapphire, who nods a little, “and how they ended up here. With Joseph.” 


“Is it a happy story?” Baxter questions, but a sharp look from Ruby makes him falls silent. 


“It is a story,” she speaks slowly, “which won’t be interrupted.” 


Cowed, Baxter lies down and rests his head on his paws, just like Tess. I sit with Sophia in front of me, but my eyes keep moving to the old dog. There’s something a little different about her. 


Chapter Eleven