CAT EYES

Black Swan

“She has superior vision,” commented the ophthalmologist, as he gazed into her eyes with bright penlight.

“I wish I had her eyes,” followed his young attractive lab assistant, coyly batting hers.

No big deal thought Cat. So she sees a bit better than most. No claim to glory. She was born that way.

“Hold still just a moment more, then I’ll let you go.”

Gosh, how can she move with her chin and head stuck in this cold metal device? She’ll be glad when this eye examination is over. How uncomfortable.

Free at last! Cat watched the two lab coats leave, quietly closing the door behind them. She became quickly bored. Rather than sit doing nothing while waiting for the next staff member to escort her out, she explored the lab.

The ubiquitous eye chart hung on the wall, with lines of letters that got smaller and smaller. She closed one eye, followed by opening and closing the other. She could easily make out the lowest line. No worries.

Oh what’s this? She hesitantly touched the confocal digital ophthalmoscope, pulling quickly away, not knowing this machine’s purpose. Would it suddenly come alive, making strange electronic noises with flashing lights? Or worse, would it summon a lab tech that may scold and swiftly kick her out of the lab? Such thoughts made her cautious.

She froze. The door had suddenly opened. A college student intern quickly glanced the lab, and not seeing the ophthalmologist, and missing her, then left, leaving the door open to the hallway.

She nosed a glimpse around the doorway, seeing the departing intern’s back, and no others. She quietly scurried behind him, wanting to leave the unpleasant eye exam behind her. Why wait any longer? Someone else was responsible to cover the costs and paperwork.

The intern burst through a spring-loaded outside door, swinging it wide. Cat stepped through before it could auto-close.

The Sun was shockingly bright on her chemically dilated eyes, and cause for her to tightly close and later squint to mere slits. She remembered the sting of the eye drops, and how the lab assistant had misled her to believe it wouldn’t hurt.

Superior vision my foot, she cried! How will she navigate the now perilous trip home across university campus and city in such a condition?

She looked back at the lab, wondering if she should wait for a ride. No, someone would probably be mad at her for breaching protocol. She turned and padded away, taking a shortcut across the lush green and thick campus lawn that led in the direction of home.

“Hi Cat,” waved a passing student. Did she know him? He was really cute, so maybe she should? Too bad he appeared hurrying to class. The nearby unoccupied and partially hidden bench under the cool shade of an engulfing leafy tree was cause for her to fantasize a moment. She pictured herself in his arms. Let the petting begin. Wow! Cat stopped to catch her breath, and quell her heavily thumping heart.

Coming upon the narrowing footbridge over a campus avenue, Cat dashed between and around students going either way. One student stomping along with big feet and his head down intently texting a message on his mobile – oblivious to everyone about him – almost stepped on her. Close call!

Off the bridge, Cat passed a flame broiled pizza café with outdoor seating. Her tummy growled in reply to the divine smell that tickled her nose. One student waved her over with a slice, which she could not refuse. “Lucky you Cat, I’m too full to finish,” she sighed, holding her waistline. Heaven in every bite.

Past a nearby dance studio was a clothing shop with the door wide open, enticing Cat to enter. She slipped in without being noticed. On the floor was a lovely small outfit that must of fallen from its hanger. It drew Cat’s eye. Following her nose, she slipped into the fabric. It was soft a cozy.

She posed before nearby mirror, then looked over her shoulder in frustration. Rats! hissed Cat. These outfits didn’t account for her long slender tail.

#