I’m up early the following day for a morning jog without Hiro for the first time. As much as I’d love to take him, I realize he’s getting older and can no longer keep up the pace. But it’s probably best because I’m not just out here jogging aimlessly today—I also have a secret mission. I just hope Tami wakes up feeling better and that what I have in mind helps to put a smile on her face.
Tami wakes up with a funny feeling in her tummy. She’s grown used to Luna’s face being the first thing she sees when waking up, but her beloved cat isn’t here, and according to Mommy and Daddy, she never will be again. The icky tummy feeling increases.
Maia realizes that sending Tami to school today might be too much, so she calls in, giving Tami a bereavement day. It’s something that they both need. Maia enters the kitchen to warm leftovers for breakfast while Tami takes a bubble bath.
I come home holding my baby girl’s recovery—a cute little calico kitten purchased from the pet store after my jog. Maia said we should wait to get Tami a new cat, but I don’t see the point. Once Maia sees how happy this makes Tami, I’m sure she’ll agree with me.
I walk past Hiro as I carry the tiny kitten inside. Hiro looks at me with eyes full of judgment…well, at least that’s what it looks like.
Wade: *to Hiro* I did the right thing. You’ll see! And you should be happy. She’s a new friend for you, too.
No one can convince me I’m wrong as I head upstairs to look for Maia and Tami.
(Majesty’s Traits: Affectionate, Lazy, Spoiled Created By: Pugowned on the EA Gallery)
I find Maia in the kitchen, sitting at the table with her back bent by grief. I proudly hold up the kitten.
Wade: I stopped at the pet store and purchased a new kitten for Tami. Isn’t she cute?
Maia turns but doesn’t even bother looking at the cat.
Maia: What? I thought we agreed we should wait!
Wade: We didn’t agree to anything. You said we should wait, but you never asked my opinion.
Maia: So you go behind my back? I was hoping we’d pick out a new cat together in a few weeks. We could have found a cat to adopt at the –
Here we go… precisely what I thought she’d say. It’s the same old tune, and I interrupt before I have to hear the rest.
Wade: Why wait? What’s the point?
Maia: Tami needs to learn that she can’t just replace Luna—just like she can’t replace people. You can’t fix her grief with money, Dub. She needs –
I can feel the heat rising in my chest. I interrupt before Maia can get started.
Wade: *raised voice* But cats aren’t people! Everything doesn’t have to be so tragic, Maia. Just because you had to do without as a child doesn’t mean we should deprive Tami of every damn thing!
Maia: *raised voice* This isn’t about that, Dub.
Wade: Everything seems to be about that with you.
The energy in the room instantly shifts, and I realize I crossed a line. Maia turns away from me before slowly getting up from the table. She walks past me without even glancing at the kitten.
Maia: I need to meditate.
She is walking away from the argument, but I’m desperate to make her see my point.
Wade: When you see how happy Tami is with her new kitten, you’ll realize I’m right about this one. Just wait!
But maybe I’m just trying to convince myself.
Maia: Whatever, Dub!
If the kitchen had a door, Maia probably would have slammed it.
Tami is sitting in her bedroom after hearing raised voices from the kitchen. She’s unsure what’s going on with her parents, but whatever it is doesn’t feel good. Hearing them makes her heart feel like it does when she runs as fast as she can. Are they mad at her?
Maia changes into her workout outfit and goes out into the backyard, trying not to let her hurt feelings control her. Dub has never spoken to her like that before. It brings back unpleasant memories of her parents arguing when she was a child.
Maia’s thoughts: It’s just one misunderstanding. We’ll get past it!
But somewhere inside, this feels like more than just a misunderstanding. Dub’s words cut her deeply. Is that truly how he feels? Maia closes her eyes and tries to clear her thoughts by focusing on her breathing. But with every other breath, Dub’s hurtful words seep through.
I open the door to Tami’s bedroom and lead the kitty inside.
Wade: Look what daddy got you, princess!
Tami looks down and sees the tiny kitten.
Tambara: You got me a new cat? Why is it so little?
I bend down and fill the cat bowl I purchased with food.
Wade: It’s still just a baby.
Tambara: What’s her name?
Wade: You can name her anything.
Tambara: Can I name her Luna?
Naming the kitten after a dead cat is a terrible idea, so I offer a suggestion.
Wade: I don’t know about that. I was thinking Majesty might be a good fit.
Tambara: Majesty?
Wade: Yes, as in ‘your majesty.’ You could even call her ‘Maj’ for short.
While Tami and Majesty stare at one another, I busy myself with placing some new cat necessities around Tami’s room.
Tami reaches out for the kitten with excitement.
Tambara: Come here, Majesty! Let me hold you. Oh, Daddy…she’s so tiny!
Wade: She is, so you have to be careful with her.
Tami picks the cat up.
Tambara: Is she a new leaf, Daddy? Will she grow up and be just like Luna?
Wade: No, sorry, Princess. No cat will ever be like Luna. Luna can’t be replaced.
Tami’s smile disappears as she hears me say what Maia said moments ago.
Tambara: *disappointed* Oh
Maia was right – maybe this wasn’t a good idea.
I failed to make Tami feel better, but her mood may improve after eating.
Wade: Are you hungry?
Tambara: A little
Wade: Let’s eat. You can bring Maj with you.
Tambara: *sadden tone* No, I don’t want to.
Tami follows me to the kitchen, and I warm up food from the refrigerator. Afterward, she sits beside me at the table. I watch as Tami moves food around her plate, barely eating. A full belly won’t work either. Tami will need time, something else that Maia said. I suddenly have a hard time swallowing.
The reality that Maia was right slaps me in the face. I jumped the gun and purchased a new cat too soon. Tami gets up after her food turns into an inedible room-temperature mess.
But a fool like me doesn’t know when to give up. Little Majesty has found her way into the kitchen and I try my best to make Tami warm up to her.
Wade: Look at cute she is, Tami.
Tami looks down at the cat, smiles a little, and then walks past her out of the kitchen. I owe Maia an apology.
Note: Majesty was created by
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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