Like Two Peas in a Pod
James is the first out the door to work and rings his wife, reminding her to dress up warm with their son since its absolutely bitter outside this morning.
Emily, meanwhile, is hunting through the house for hats and scarves. By the time shes sorted out their warm clothes, theres no time left for breakfast. She quickly wraps up a few sandwiches to take with them instead.
Their ginger cat, Flossie, a pedigreed Persian, is sulking in the radiators glow. Shes never liked the cold, and today she hisses at anyone who dares pass her royal self, let alone reach out for a stroke. Flossies got quite the character, but her family forgives her every whim and loves her all the same.
She continues her disapproval, hissing away, as Emily and her son stand bundled in the hallway.
Hissssss
Mum, whos Flossie hissing at? Were not even in the room.
Shes just grumbling about life, as usual… Emily sighs.
Its something shes brilliant at. Flossie had joined them as a tiny kitten barely a month oldalmost given away for free because shed been rejected for breeding. When Emily heard what might await her, she didnt hesitate. Even though she and James had just married and were still looking for their own place, she brought the kitten home. Flossie instantly warmed to Emily, though James got little more than the odd hiss or a paw ready to scratch.
Two years later, they moved into their own flat, and a year after that, their son, Oliver, was born. To everyones surprise, Flossie accepted the baby as one of her own. She never once scratched him and graciously let him stroke her as he learned to crawl.
Despite her difficult temperament, everyone adored Flossie just as she was. Shed been one of the family for ten years now…
Its on the walk to work that Emily remembersshes left the sandwiches on the table at home. Shes only just down the street, so she decides to pop back. As she approaches the flat, a plaintive mew comes from above. Its still quite dark, but she makes out the outline of a cat up in a tree. Switching on the torch on her mobile, Emily squints up, baffled by what she sees. Looking down at her, is Flossie.
Thats impossible. I left you in the sitting room, not ten minutes ago…”
Realising she has Emilys attention, the cat starts yowling even louderas if the freezing weather alone werent reason enough to rush things.
Thinking as fast as she can, Emily sees the cat isnt that high up, so maybe a ladder would do. She remembers Mr Thompson upstairs is renovating; he may have a ladder or step stool handy. Up she goes, and after hearing the story, Mr Thompson agrees to help. Five minutes later, theyre in the garden, wrangling a crowd around the tree, all giving suggestions.
Mr Thompson props his ladder against the tree and climbs up. Emily holds it steady, peering anxiously at the cat. For a moment, she wonders if its actually Flossie, but as soon as Mr Thompson reaches out and the cat lets out a raucous hiss, all doubt slips away.
Mr Thompsons gloves protect his hands from the sharp claws, and soon the cat is safely back on the ground in Emilys arms, purring urgently against her chest.
She quickly wraps the cat in her scarf, thanks her neighbour, and rushes home to warm Flossie up.
But when she opens the door, the real Flossie hops sleepily down from the bed and trots over, only to halt halfway.
Flossie? Youre… here?
Emily glances at the cat bundled in her arms. A ginger Persian, unmistakably like Flossie, but… there are subtle differences she hadnt noticed in the dark. The new cat meets Emilys eyes and gives her a hopeful nuzzle.
Flossie, meanwhile, pads over and peers up at Emily judgmentally, then turns her steely gaze toward the lookalike. Now, both cats glare at each other across the hallway.
Emily rings into work and says shell be late, deciding to wait for Oliver to come home from school. Together theyd surely figure out what to do…
Oliver is awestruck with Emilys story of the daring rescue. He laments missing the adventure and pleads, eyes watering, to keep the second cat. The two Flossies nibble away at their food in separate corners, all the while keeping a close watch on each other. Emily posts lost cat notices and plans with James to pin them up later that evening, just in case someone is looking for their pet.
The afternoon trickles away; home time draws near.
Suddenly, the new cat darts to the hallway just as Jamess key rattles the lock.
Flossie? Have you come to greet me? James says in surprise.
The cat weaves round his legs, purring like an engine.
Incredible! Am I actually allowed to stroke you then?
Dad, isnt she beautiful? Can we keep her? Please? asks Oliver, barely containing his excitement.
Let me take my coat off and you two can tell me everything, Emily interjects.
James glances back and forth between Emily, Oliver, and the cat, utterly bewildered. But before Emily can explain, their very own Flossie is on the sofa, hissing her disapproval at the whole scene.
There are two Flossies? How on earth?
Emily recounts the rescue, admitting shed mistaken the cat in the tree for Flossie, so alike they arelike two peas in a pod.
Blimey! Someone must be looking for her, says James.
Ive already posted notices. Lets go and put some up.
The stray, sensing shes the subject of discussion, leaps onto Jamess lap and snuggles in.
Its alright. If no one comes for you, youll stay with us. We wont abandon you, he reassures her.
Hooray! cries Oliver.
No one ever comes forward. No one seems to be missing a cat… and so, the newest member of the family stays for good.
Before long, the two lookalikes become friends, and now, if you walk past their window, youll spot not just one, but two ginger Persian catsso alike, theyre like two peas in a pod.
