After their warm meal, the cats settle down in their newly made natural-fibre cosies around the cave. Some fall asleep straight away, but the four Mousecateers are joined by Brango and an older cat they are looking after. Nero whispers to Lucinda that the senior kitty, Angelique, looks as if she has had enough.
‘She looks exhausted,’ whispers Lucinda back. ‘But she refuses to shut her eyes and settle down. I think she is scared. Maybe I should read a bedtime story to settle us down?’
Lucinda is a great reader. Her long-term aim is to become a movie producer, and she is preparing for that right now. She had spent a good deal of time in the Cataloupe 3 library researching edible insects on the island, and that had led to them all having a delicious evening meal. She had pleaded with Nero to let her join the Mousecateers, but when he decided she was too unfit, she took lessons at the gym, with his encouragement. Lucinda’s strength and physical prowess had improved so much that even Candy had noticed.
Although Candy was an excellent mother and loved all her offspring to pieces, she was easily distracted. ‘Governesses are a blessing,’ Candy would remark to her friends. ‘No one should be without a governess to look after their brood of kittens.’ She had founded a training college for female governesses and always organised work experience for the trainees. She brought three for on-the-job training on this cruise. Needless to say, Candy Governess College graduates never had trouble finding work among the elite.
So, of course, Lucinda had a book tucked away in her rucksack. She considered it an essential supply item for survival, although Nero hadn’t included it on his list of essential items. She had also packed a set of picnic bowls, as it was important to be civilised, whatever your company. And she was correct: both the bowls and, now, the book were needed for the success of the expedition.
After the exciting bedtime story, the cats are sleepy. Brango keeps the senior kitty, Angelique, with him so he can keep an eye on her. As the expedition leader, he is responsible for their safety and well-being. He is a kind and caring cat. He feels glad that the Mousecateers are here to help. They are such a spirited and thoughtful bunch.
Outside the cave, thunderstorms continue to roll over, with the occasional flash of lightning casting a glow over the interior.
The images and videos were generated by AI from the author’s prompts.
