“The Cat’s Meow” Published in Disturbed Digest

disturbed-digest_june-2018
I’m purring with excitement to announce that my short story, “The Cat’s Meow,” is featured in the June 2018 issue of Disturbed Digest by Alban Lake Publishing.

You can purchase the print edition for $10 and the e-book for $3.99 at the Infinite Realms Bookstore.

I love both cats and dogs, but you’ve got to admit there’s something sinister about cats, what with their piercing eyes,  clutching claws, and barely-contained wildness. My mingled respect and suspicion of cats inspired this story–I promise no felines were harmed in the writing of it.

Here’s a short excerpt:

Felicia headed straight to Candice, while Bobbie scooped up one of the kittens, and Geoffroy the other.

In an act of diplomacy, Candice patted Felicia on her fuzzy head, V-shaped like a pit viper, but pushed her away when she tried to crawl on her lap.

“You know why she bugs you all the time?” Margo asked, trying to perch the kitten on her shoulder, which kept slipping.

Because she’s taunting me, Candice almost said, but shrugged instead.

“It’s that angry face you make every time she comes into the room,” said Margo.

Everyone laughed, including Lenny, who wouldn’t meet her eyes.

Margo set the kitten down on her lap and picked up Felicia, holding the fatso under her armpits.

“Watch this.” Margo narrowed her eyes and wrinkled her nose at Felicia. After a few seconds, the cat squinted back. “That’s a smile in cat language. When you scrunch up your face like that, she thinks you like her.” Margo plopped Felicia back on the floor.

“I don’t have a problem with Felicia,” said Candice, her face hot, knowing how much everyone else adored the creature. “But five cats is too many.”