A Talking Cat!?!

I like the woods. Always have.

You don't get me wrong, I like to be indoors in a nice fluffy

bed as much as anyone... More than anyone probably.

I've heard them say 'it's the simple things' we should

appreciate most. And right now, it's the wind in the trees and

the smells in the air... this place has magic. And people

now a days, are way too concerned with their shiny, tiny

beeping machines, than they are with the simple joys of living.

And sometimes, I'm compelled to come out to this place and do a

little... 'meditation' they call it... or 'communing' with

nature... or just letting the magic guide me. Because

I help people... even if they don't know they need help.

Because, as I've discovered...

people need all the help they can get.

That thing is hideous... what was I thinking...

Vroom... Vroom, beep-beep...

Why do you always do that, Dad?

You used to love that when you were a kid.

You're home early.

It's over.

What's over?

The company. We sold the websites, the interface,

the code I worked half my life on... Sold myself out of

a job. Now they say i have enough money to retire.

Didn't you already have enough money?

That's what they say. That's why it feels so weird.

So, what happens now?

I don't know, guess I'll hang out here at the house for

awhile. Maybe we can spruce it up a little bit.

Wait, Didn't you hire a decorator.

Won't they get mad?

Well, it's our house... I don't know!

Maybe we could go on those trips we talked about.

What trips?

Maybe we could just hang out ...

You know, I could learn how to cook...

Well, I've got a lot of summer reading to catch up on.

Maybe we'll order pizza later.

Ya... that'd be good.

Hello?

Hi. Is this Chris Barber? From Mr. Garvey's class?

Um... no... I mean, ya, it is

I was in Mr. Garvey's class last year... but... yeah...

OK... anyway, Um, I needed to raise English grade and he

suggested you could tutor me?

He did... I mean, Ya, he mentioned that thing with

me tutor of you... ya.

So... can you?

Can I what?

Tutor me this summer?

In English?

That's the idea.

Oh, Ya, ya. I mean i'm good at English... So..

Are you sure?

Ya, sure... I'm sure... why did somebody say something?

I was kidding. Anyway, um, text me your address. I can

come over tomorrow and we can work out a schedule.

My parents can't pay much...

That's uh. Come on, No payment necessary. no shoes,

No shirt,, no service. Haha..

What does that mean?

I guess... I,,, will see you tomorrow., uh.. Ok cool,

thanks bye.

I am so lame..

Ha..

what in the world am I going to do... Frannie she is going to

be here... tomorrow.

What was that...? Kitty?

Hey, dad?

Yeah?

Did we get a cat?

No. Why?

What do you do when you like a girl?

Uh, Well uh,

Oh... I did see a cat. That one.

Ya, Me too.

Weird right?

Hey , let's go order that pizza Huh ?

Yeah. I'd like that.

Has anyone seen my shoes?

Ohh..

Seriously, I've got to start setting up at the Simms cocktail

party and there not going to want to see my toes. They're our

best customers, they deserve toe-free appetizers.

Did you look in the kitchen?

Ya, they're not there.

Hey, mom?

Yes, Tina... and no, you can't go to business college.

But mom, I didn't even say which one.

It doesn't matter which one. Just face it, you are too

brilliant and smart for your own good. We can't afford it.

I promise we will looking for

scholarships over the summer. Ok..

This is so unfair. My website would make a lot of money.

I'm sure it would, but right now your mom can't even afford

visible footware, so, I'm sorry.

Quite bugging mom about business college.

Why don't you shut it.

Why don't you shut it, you're the annoying one.

No, you're the one who doesn't even know what he's going to do

with his life. At least I have direction and purpose.

And if you only had a personality,

you might have a future.

I hate you, Trent.

Ditto..

Can you guys give it a rest and help me find my shoes

Ok, or I won't feed you this week.

Aren't they outside on the porch?

Oh... right. Thanks, Trent.

Suck up.

Loser

Slacker..

Nerd.

A little help here.

Ok, There's more in the fridge and I don't be home to late.

Hi there.

Is it a cat?

Four paws, kinda furry . Yep, I think so.

Wonder what it wanted?

My stinky shoes apparently. Can you put that

car for me sweetie heart.

Ya,

Thanks..

Of to work.

It's a lot of work to do what I have to do. Not many people

realize that. Yes, we're all connected, but it takes real

magic to connect the right people at the right time.

But it can be hard sometimes. Because people can be

stubborn and silly and sleep right through the best parts

of life. I try not to let that happen. I'm Duffy. And I'm a

human whisperer. And I think I've found the people I'm

supposed to help.

Dad! Dad, what's going on!

It's fine. Just the smoke alarm in the kitchen.

Nothing to worry about..

Is everything ok?

Ya, Just had a little hiccup

with the waffle maker this morning.

What happened?

I can't make waffles! And a now were going to have to get a new

waffle machine and I'm going to buy one that

comes with directions.

Dad... seriously?

So what's this with your, uh, shirt?

Frannie's coming over... any minute.

Oh. Who's Frannie?

The girl in my class I told you about.

The one who needs English tutoring.

Oh ya.. Well listen, this place smells like burnt waffles .

So, Why don't you go out by the pool. I'll bring you some juice.

Ok, I'll be out there.

Just don't bother with the juice. or...

Oh ... So you don't want the old

man to mess up your girl time. Huh..

Gross.

Hey, listen you go up stairs, finish getting ready. I'll go

and take care of the table outside.

Oh, hey kitty.

So, you decided to come back huh..

I had to. You need my help... and not just in the kitchen.

Come here!

What did you burn in there anyway?

I could smell it out... ooooh... ahhhhh... yesssss...

"Let's see. What does it say , Duffy."

I'm Duffy.. It's Duffy !!

Ya, But there's no address.

Who told you to stop rubbing my ears?

Huh..

I don't remember my first owner very much...

Ok well maybe you can get some sun out here! Huh..

And if you could grab me a bowl of milk... That would be great.

I should probably follow Phil inside, but there is seriously

nothing more wonderful then a cat nap... that's why they call

it that, you know.

Wow... You have a really nice house.

Thanks.

Does it always smell like waffles?

Um... No. Um, follow me and we can go outside.

Ok..

Wow... this is beautiful.

Oh, Hey, is this your cat?

No. I don't even know what he's doing here.

I heard that.

Aww, I like cats.

Oooh, cats like you too.

Ya, he's cool I guess. Me and My dad were actually thinking

about getting a cat.

Nice backpedal, kid.

This is so nice. I mean, you must be out here all the time.

Uh... yeah... sometimes.

Not true either.

So, you're having trouble in English?

Yeah. Well, I'm not really into reading... books.

But, your in Honors classes?

yeah, Well, Uhh, just because I had, like help and stuff.

Oh.

So, I need help. From you.

Ya, I can do that. Um, Are these the ones you want to start with.

Yeah. Well there's a whole required reading list. It's in

the first book. I kinda need help with what's going on.