“What’s the vet’s name?” If it’s Mengele, I’ll scream. I’ll scream and throw her out and I’ll keep the cat in the cage. The cat can stay in the cage until he learns to shit in some litter. If she calls the police, I’ll just say that she’s crazy. She is crazy, so the story might stick.

“Could you just make it out to me? It would be easier.” How would it be easier? You’re on your way to the vet. Nothing could be easier than handing him a check already filled out. He writes the check.

“How much for the neuter?”

“Meoowww.”

Goddamn cat.

“Well, it’s $35.00 regularly, at half-price for strays….” She’s stuck. Math is not her strong suit. Cashing checks is her strong suit.

“17.50?” asks Alex.

“That sounds right,” she says. He writes the check for $25.00 and hands it to her.

“Oh, thank you! You’re such a good person!” She folds it in half and it disappears.

“Meoooowww.”

“His test results should be in tomorrow. I’ll let you know.” She maneuvers the cage out the door.

“Meoooowww.”

Alex says goodbye and closes the door behind them. He gathers his things into his bag, checking that he has everything. He needs to study for that test tomorrow and he’s meeting some students this afternoon. Outside the air’s almost chilly, winter’s coming. He listens. He can’t hear the cat anymore.

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