Socks

Previously on Operation Blog . . .

When I confessed to secretly liking a dog book, Lucy laughed at me. Then she heard how Dewey said I was wise for expanding my horizons. No way was she going to let me be wiser than her, so she decided to expand her own horizons by reporting on a cat book.

Cindy promised to check out a big stack of cat books from the library for Lucy to choose from. But she only came home with one: Socks by Beverly Cleary. “I think you should both read this one,” she said.

“And why is that?” I asked, my ears flattening with suspicion.

“No particular reason. Socks is an oldie, but a goody. I think you and Lucy will like it.”

According to my feline intuition, which is never wrong, something was definitely up. But I dutifully started reading. That is until Lucy stuck her big fat doggie snout in my book.

“Excuse me, I’m trying to read here,” I said very politely.

Lucy: Liar! You’re telling it all wrong. You hissed at me and swatted my very cute little button nose. I was just trying to read over your shoulder because you were hogging the book that I was supposed to report on today.

Well, I couldn’t help it! I felt so sorry for Socks, I couldn’t stop reading. His humans brought home that baby and he felt abandoned just like I did when Chester married Elizabeth.

Lucy: I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him, too. It was terrible when he was banished to the garage and then had to fight that alley cat for his food. I had to fight for food plenty of times after my master died and I was left all alone, so I know how that feels.

Wait a minute! Now I get it! I think Cindy wanted us to read this book to see that we have something in common. She probably thought we’d get all sappy and decide to be BFFs or something.

Lucy: Eeewww! Gross. I don’t think so.

For once I actually agree with you! In fact, I’d hiss in your face right now, except for the fact it’s Operation Story Share day and we have to tell my fans something about Socks by Beverly Cleary.

Lucy:  I hate to admit that I liked it, but I did. It was a great story. If both of us could relate to it, I think all our fans could, too. And it had a happy ending. I love happy endings! Oh, brother. I can’t believe I just said any of that.

**hissing, claw swiping, spitting, jaw snapping, growling, fur flying**

Lucy: Whew! That’s better. Now things feel back to normal.

Flash: I’m still wiser than you.

Lucy: You are not. Get back here, you fur-licking freak! I’ll show you wise!

Flash: Ha! You can’t catch me!

Cindy: Sigh. Well, I tried. Who knows when they’ll be back, so I guess I’ll have to take the picture without Flash. Maybe that’ll teach him to not run off in the middle of a post. Beverly Cleary has written a lot of very good kid’s books. Even Flash and Lucy agree that Socks is one of them.