Literary Arts Magazine Spring 2012 | Page 89

COmputer Support Specialist 200 Digital Photography by Mario Jeronimo. Teacher: Javier Marquez, Level 4, AM (Spring). “It’s time for your meal, my dear Minino,” Rodrigo would say. The cat would understand the message and quickly run behind Rodrigo to see what fishy and delicious treat could be waiting there.  Most evenings Rodrigo sat at the small table in the kitchen to do his homework.  Minino elegantly walked  toward the table and grabbed at the linen, his claws penetrating the threads. He knew how to call attention, sending a clear sign that he was hungry. Rodrigo went without delay to get milk and fish cookies that were purchased particularly for his companion. He then compassionately fed a content Minino. While Rodrigo was at school, the lovely pet was out training to be a good bird hunter, or perhaps was just hanging around with other cats. Rodrigo noticed birds’ feathers in the house, sure that Minino was messing with the birds in the neighborhood trees. As Rodrigo would come home after school, Minino would anxiously walk into the house expecting to greet, eat and play. This is the assurance that only friends can give one another. During these years, four consecutive Christmases were spent together. Rodrigo and his cat enjoyed the Christmas dinner, the Christmas tree and of course the traditional happiness that fulfilled children’s and pets’ souls.  When the time to move to a new house came, Rodrigo and his mother decided to bring the cat to the new place.  He was brought along indeed, however, for an unknown reason or perhaps some intrinsic thinking, Minino ran away from the new house and returned to the house where most of his life had been spent.  After several months Rodrigo went to the home where Minino was living, now with the care of other relatives. The cat meowed with such an anxious voice that the moment was emotional and intense for Rodrigo, knowing he was recognized by his lost companion.  As time would reveal, Minino would spend the rest of his life at that house. Once, as he routinely did, he walked down the street, but this time he never came back home. They were terribly sad for this unfortunate event. Nevertheless they still remember him as part of their family. “A cat’s eyes are windows enabling us to see into another world,” says an Irish legend.  Perhaps Rodrigo was able to see through Minino the world that some people are denied.  It is not everyone who can see the affection and love of these beautiful creations of God or their purpose in life of being an irreplaceable and loving companion. Robert Huanay Teacher: Eddy Ceballos, EVE 89