Panther In The Sky*

Waking up from my afternoon sleep, there’s a weight on my chest.  Opening my eyes, I see that the panther is next to me and one of his paws is pressing down on my front.

“You’re not meant to be here,” I say, trying to sit up.  He pushes me back down.

“Ah, but I am here,” he says.  “You look awful.  Exhausted.  And where’s that New Chap then?”

“He lives in Abroad,” I say.

“You see,” the panther says.  “He can’t bear to be near you and…”

“It’s not like that,” I say.  “He…”

“He’s not here though, is he?” The Panther says.  “But I am.  I’m back and you can’t get rid of me and…”

“But the new drugs are working,” I say.  “You’re not meant to be here and…”

“Well, obviously they’re not,” the panther says, resting his huge head on my shoulder.  Stroking his head, I lie down again.  He breathes into my ear and his breath smells of rotting meat.  It is a terrible disappointment that he is here, but life is cruel so here he is.

The attached photo is today’s gym outfit.

Happy Thursday everyone!
*1989.  By James Alexander Thom.  Novel.

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