Magnolia ...

Andrew watched as Misty and Mouse chattered away, like long lost sisters.  They had never met, but both had lived with the same human “Mama” on earth.  There were tears, yes, but a lot of laughter too.  He hated to disturb them, but this was a perfect opportunity for them to experience.  He settled himself on “council rock” as Katie had named the big stone Andrew often sat on as he greeted newcomers, and called them to him.

“Another comes, and I thought you two might want to meet her, and help her with her transition.  She wasn’t a pet, she is a beaver, one who was attacked by dogs.  Her caretakers have done all they could to help her, but the decision has been made to send her to us.”

The two Scottish Fold cats looked at Andrew, and digested all that he had said. “We’re ready!” and with that the three of them were gone ...

.... and found themselves in an odd place in Tennessee.  There were cages, if you could call them that,  as “natural” as they could be to emulate “natural habitat”.  There were skunks, raccoons, foxes, all manners and sorts of critters of various ages being cared for by the people who loved them.  They were not pets, but instead victims of accidents, or traps, or any other dangers to unsuspecting wildlife.  It didn’t take long to find them ...

...gathered around a sweet beaver, who had been attacked by unknown predator or predators and was not responding to treatment.  She was wrapped up in a blue blanket, to keep her warm.  As the people asked each other if they had “tried everything”, and if there was anything more that they could do for her.  Her injuries were one thing, but the maggots, natures “cleanup crew” had started early, and  had complicated things.

“She’s in pain, and her injuries are more than her body can fight.  It’s time ...”

The two kitties looked up at Andrew. “what are they doing?”

“They’re giving her medicine that will stop her heart beat.  Then we will take her away from here.”

Even as Andrew spoke, he reached out and lifted the beaver in his arms, and as the two cats pressed close to his gown, they were gone.

Andrew put her down beside the creek, one kitty on each side of her.  Slowly she stirred, and awoke. Looking around she saw nothing familiar, but the scent of the fresh water attracted her.  She rose, and drank.  Then, as a lady should, she cleaned her whiskers, and washed her face.  Her lovely coat was thick and looked like sable.

“ahem!”

A cat? clearing her throat? and a second cat?

“It’sokaywewonthurtyoucomemeetAndrewhe’sourfriend ...”

Now every beaver knows it’s hard enough to understand Cats, but even worse when they run their words together.

“You’re scaring her.  It’s okay Magnolia, come with us ...”

At least the other cat seemed more composed, as though she’s used to talking to beavers.  Okay, I’ll follow along ...

.... and sat at Andrew’s feet.

“Good evening, Magnolia! We’re happy to see you!”

“Huh? Magnolia? Why did you call me that? and who are YOU? and these ... these CATS?”

Andrew smiled, and lifted the little beaver to his lap.  Reaching into his pocket he produced a treat for her, and for each of the kitties.

“You were named Magnolia by the people who tried to save your life.  You were injured badly, but they didn’t find you in time, and so they sent you here.”

“um, where’s ‘here’ exactly?” she asked, while chomping happily on her treat.

“‘Here’ is Heaven. The Creator has provided for all of Earth’s creatures, and knows when even the smallest of them is in trouble.  Your days upon the Earth have been cut short, but here you will live on, healthy and happy, until the end of time.  This is the covenant made between Man and the Creator.”

“Where do I go now?” she asked, still puzzled by all this ...

“With others of your kind. You will never be cold, or hungry, you cannot be hurt.  You may enjoy all things beaver!”

“But you have to jump off the Bridge, and ...”

Andrew chuckled, and petted Misty.  She had only been here a week, this was her first ‘meet and greet’.   “Come.  We will explain ...”

Andrew rose, Magnolia under one arm, the two kitties close beside him .....

....and appeared on the beautiful Bridge of which Misty had spoken.  Many forest critters were assembled, beavers in front!!

Mouse and Misty jumped down, and looked back at Magnolia.  One of the waiting beavers looked up at Magnolia and said “Welcome!  Join us!!”

Magnolia looked at Andrew questioningly, as he put her down and smiled at her.  “Yes, dear one, it is time.”

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped down into the waiting group of wildlife.  They all were talking at once,

With a nod and a smile to Misty and Mouse, Andrew faded from sight.

“C’mon Misty, let’s go tell Mama!  She’ll be so pleased ...”.

With that, the two ran to the edge of the meadow and turned their thoughts toward home. “She’s okay, Mama,  Me and Misty ... er, Misty and I, we went with Andrew and we brought her home.  Tell your friends ... “

As the two cats purred their love and their thoughts toward earth, the woman smiled ... and opened her computer ...

©Rose Scott