The Tortoise Cat takes her Big One for a territorial stroll and bug hunt.
Tortoise Cat prepares for a holiday adventure
Tortoise Cat: Oh NO! I've begun seeing -- and dreaming of -- the trap I'm supposed to enter willingly!
Chameleon: Now, now, Tortoise Cat, you know that as soon as we arrive at the Folks' House, you'll begin to enjoy roaming and sniffing around their huge territory, drawing attention and affection from many Big Ones all at once, and watching crowds of squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and birds from the humongous picture window. Don't you remember the fun you had on our winter adventure last year!
Tortoise Cat: I don't remember or know anything, except...NOW -- YOW! -- I fear the sight of that...whatchacallit!?
Chameleon: It's called a cat- or pet- carrier, or kennel. It is, in fact, a benign kind of cage -- a soft, plush and protective cage. And, in truth, the Big One is being most kind, carrying you along in spite of your extreme fuss and noise, instead of leaving you alone for more than a day. Besides, the Big One's clan all look forward to your yearly visit. Just nap at mid-day as usual...and when you wake up, we'll be there.
Tortoise Cat: But my territory will be unwatched while we're away. I must NOT leave those boundaries unpatrolled!
Chameleon: No, it's OK, Tortoise Cat! A colleague of the Big One's will be living here, visiting family, while we adventure...and...uh...will be performing security checks on your property frequently. The Big One is very happy -- more like ecstatic -- about these arrangements, because everything is working out simply and synchronicitously.
Tortoise Cat: Simply and...WHAT?!
Chameleon: And WELL, Tortoise Cat. All is well and all will be well.
Tortoise Cat: Well, maybe the Big One won't be able to find me when it's time to go.
Chameleon: RELAX, Tortoise Cat. Trust me. Heh, heh. You'll never see it coming.
Tortoise Cat: Ok. I'm ready for a nap. Yes, ho-hum, a dream is pouncing!
Tortoise Cat: Oh, look Chameleon! It's a new and unexpected cave, just my size...suddenly here...INSIDE. Am I dreaming?
Chameleon: WOW, Tortoise Cat...How wonderful! It looks like a comfortable place to nap and dream. Heh, heh, heh.
