Apr. 27, 2009 Monday

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Skittles is the all-white, long-haired part Persian tomcat from next door. He likes to hang out on our deck and have non-verbal communication with Hunky through the glass door.

But Sunday was very warm and the Spouses had opened the door and let the air flow through the screen door. Skittles was a bit surprised when he showed up - he not only could see Hunky, but hear and smell him as well. This made us all extra-curious.

For a change, the Husband noticed what was going on. There was no exchange of ill will among us, just the three of us quietly sniffing the air.

Skittles will hang around as long as the door remains closed (otherwise he runs), but this door was different. So the Husband tried opening the screen door a slight amount to see if he could finally make friends with him. But no, he ran off to the top of the stairs, ready to beat a hasty exit should the Husband venture out onto the deck. But he stayed put.

I, however, did not. I was out on the deck in a flash. Skittles just stared. I started to approach him, when I realized I was outdoors. Outdoors is a big place. I ended up on the deck railuing and walked around to where Skittles was waiting. But Skittles paid no attention to me. He was looking back at the door, where Hunky had stuck his head out, but proceeded no further.

So there we were, each maintaining his/her position and waiting for the next move.

So where was the Husband during all this? Taking pictures. He promised he would take more pictures. He eventually stepped out onto the deck, which is usually Skittles cue to scram. But he didn't. He looked from Hunky to the Husband to me.

Skittles was not a threat; he made no offensive gestures. He just sat. So now there were four of us (counting the Husband) who maintained our positions and waited for the next move. Which turned out to be Skittles. He cautiously began to approach Hunky, who still had only his head protruding into the outdoors. He ignored both me and the Husband. This was all very un-Skittles-like. But it made Hunky uncomfortable and he retreated fully indoors.

The Husband thought Skittles was finally willing to be friends and reached down to pet him. In a flash, Skittles had disappeared down the deck stairs. His sudden departure startled me and I disappeared into the house. The Husband was left standing out on the deck with his camera, wondering what had happened.

But we're all getting closer to something, in small steps. I will let you know what when I find out myself.