DEFEND LITTLE
This piece looks at a child who steps in to defend what he sees as vulnerable. It is a short moment, but it captures fear, instinct, and the kind of early memory that teaches someone who they are long before they grow up.
NEWSFLASH: TWO OUT OF THREE FELINES FREQUENTING THE MALL HAVE BEEN TARGETED
I love you both. I would defend you with my life. That is what a father does. I want to talk about this panic in the town about the cat population. People are blaming a new sickness on the strays and acting like our pets are a threat. We cannot let anyone harm Mochi and Pixel without real evidence. If cats are involved in this outbreak, then quarantine is the answer, not killing them. Our home with its cat towers, warm windowsills, and soft beds will stay a safe place for them.
Ethan and Sophia, I know how much you love these two. I still picture Ethan holding Mochi with both hands and kissing her forehead. We even used ChatGPT to name them and plan their meals and help train them. You are still children, but one day you will grow up. Mochi and Pixel will stay small and childlike forever. They will always depend on us. That means we need to protect them even when the world feels angry and confused.
You cannot share any stories about them online and you should not talk about them at school. If your mother was still here, she would feel the same way. I know someone in the CLAWS animal rights group who said that if this sickness becomes serious, we can turn our cats over to them instead of handing them to the authorities. Years ago I volunteered with CLAWS and they are furious about this new order. They will not accept a quiet culling.
But Dad, what if we get in trouble for hiding them? Or what if we get sick? Sophia asked me that with worry in her eyes. The fear in her voice matched the fear in mine.
Both questions make sense and I have answers. If the law comes after us, we will argue that pets are protected as family property. As for sickness, we can take precautions, stay vaccinated, and limit time in the basement where the cats sleep. None of this is their fault.
I hope school gets canceled, Ethan said. It was fun during COVID to play Fortnite all day with Oliver and Leo.
His comment broke the tension for a moment, but only for a moment. I could tell both of them were waiting for one more promise from me. So I gave it to them.
No matter what happens, we will do what is right. We will protect the innocent. Mochi and Pixel are ours and they are loved. That is the truth we stand on. And that is enough for now.
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