Cat's Eye Page #7

and a lot of your dolls were knocked over.

Was he?

I dreamed he was. Far out.

He'll really be far out if that happens again

because I'll send him to the animal shelter.

But, Mom, you can't do that!

That's not fair.

Have you given

one minute's thought to Polly?

General loves Polly. They get along great.

Birds and cats do not get along great.

In case you haven't watched

Sylvester and Tweety Bird on TV.

General wouldn't do a thing to hurt Polly.

He's non-violent.

I think it's really early to decide that.

I'd just wish you'd understand.

Also, your mom just happened to have

a conference call with Nana last evening...

...and Nana told your mom

that cats steal kids' breath.

Why would General take my breath

if he has his own?

Well, you have to put

all the animals outside in the night...

...especially the cat animals.

Because if you don't,

they climb up and sit on your chest...

...and suck all your breath out like this....

-That is very helpful, Hugh.

-Thank you very much.

-Sit down and have your breakfast.

-No.

Jokes about my mother's accent in the

morning have a way of killing my appetite.

Non-violent, my ass.

I'm sorry we laughed at Nana.

But couldn't--

No! The subject is closed.

Bus in 15 minutes.

Mom, can't General just stay with me

until I fall asleep?

No! Don't forget those back teeth.

That's where most of the food gets stuck.

Get the back.

-Hi, doll.

-Hi, Daddy.

Amanda, it'd be a lot easier for me

to get General back in the house...

...if I knew what these bad dreams

were all about.

Why?

Why? Because when you play the violin,

little girl...

...everybody listens, including your mom.

So, come on, tell me.

I can only remember

that there's a monster in it.

A monster? What's he like?

Do you know that story about the goats?

The Three Billy Goats Gruff?.

That's the one.

Well, this one lives in my wall right there.

But General kept those dreams away

last night.

Can't he come in for good, Daddy, please?

You know, Amanda,

your mom is really serious about this.

I know. Just like getting your back teeth,

that's where the food gets stuck...

...and cats stealing kids' breath.

Well, my making fun of Nana's accent

at the breakfast table...

...probably didn't get us off

to the best of starts, but...

...I might be able

to bring your mother around.

-No promises, but maybe.

-No promises.

You know, Amanda,

there are no real monsters.

Yeah, I guess I do.

Okay. Go to sleep now.

No bad dreams.

No bad dreams.

I think she was beginning to cry

when I kissed her good night tonight.

Come on, Hugh.

What do you say we talk about it

just a little bit, all right?

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