Kitties in the Mist

My colleague has been called away on business and has asked that I maintain her post at the feline sanctuary. Below are my observations on the indigenous cat tribe:

Upon entering the sanctuary, I'm astounded by a lack of greeting. Previous visits to the habitat prompted a welcome by the chief of the tribe, so the lack of any fanfare this time had me concerned. I decided to venture forth, to make sure that no catastrophic calamities had come upon the cat clowder.

I first checked the main living area of the habitat. Environmental changes over the past year had left this area with heavier foliage than typical, making it more difficult to tell if I was being watched.

I ultimately decided not to brave the jungle to find traces of the tribe and instead check their nesting and feeding area, located up a steep incline from my location. As I begin my ascent, picking my way through the tribal decorations that litter the slope, I note that the animal carcass that serves as a makeshift throne for the chief is also vacant.

At the top of the hill, I make my first sighting of the tribe. The chief comes to greet me, unaware of any concern on my part. We exchange the custom greeting of his people before venturing to the feeding area of their habitat. As we approach the area, I pass another member of their tribe. This one is slow to respond, as he is concentrating heavily on the smooth surface of the wall of the cave that houses their water supply. Perhaps he intends to decorate it in some elaborate painting? Further investigation is required. The sweat from his furrowed brow has run down his face to his mouth, resembling drool. Clearly his mind is fast at work, as noted by the vacant stare. Fascinating.

Entering the feeding area, another member of the tribe follows us in, this one the hunter of the group. He quickly seats himself at the trough that the tribe shares, looking at me expectantly. Clearly, hunting has not been fruitful for the tribe. I check the cache of supplies that my colleague keeps for the habitat and find a suitable meal for the cats. With the food distributed, I do a quick headcount of my wards. The three males of the tribe busy themselves with their meal, whereas the lone female is missing. The female is the least personable of the group, so it isn't in and of itself unusual for her to hide in my presence. Still, I must complete my headcount before I depart.

Found her!