I’ll never forget the day that I awoke from a nap and heard the choking sobs of my favorite assistant, Emily, in the other room. This isn’t a feel good story. This is a story of my greatest failure. My failure to protect the most important person in my life.

I jumped up and ran as fast as my four legs would carry me. When I rounded the doorway I saw the Intruder knelt down in front my Emily, hands extended out towards her. I had no doubt in my mind they held a weapon of extreme destruction because immediately Emily’s hands shot up to cover her face as her mouth gaped open in terror. The look of horror on her face that day will haunt my dreams for years to come. I realized that I must act to protect her, this would be my greatest trial. Defend Emily, or die trying.

I launched myself across the room towards the Intruder. This would be the last time he invaded our sanctum. I let out a guttural roar as pounced at them. It was at that moment they finally noticed me. Perhaps the roar was my downfall. I should have known better than to announce my presence like that. We cats are renowned for our ability to sneak and capture prey. My emotions took hold that day and I acted not as a cat but as an animal. This ultimately led to my greatest failure. I only managed to score one swipe before they retreated beyond my reach. They won’t soon forget the might of Tiddles!

However, like I stated previously. This is a story of my failure. My assault did not dissuade the Intruder from returning. If anything it emboldened them. Now they are here in our domain constantly. I can no longer relax, I must constantly keep my guard up and keep watch on my precious Emily. I have tried frontal assaults several more times since that first but to no avail. I must resort to guerrilla warfare. I attack when they least suspect it. When they let their guard down and have no where to run. Only when I have a clear line of retreat. I may have lost the battle. But they have not won the war.