Little Felines (Part 2): The Neighbor Across the Hedge 🏰🔭🐈‍⬛🤝✨

The house next door was a stately stone mansion, inhabited by the rich Mr. Laurence and his grandson, the "Laurence-Boy-Cat" (whose real name was Theodore, but everyone called him Laurie). 🏰👴🐈

To Jo-Tabby, the house was an enchanted castle, full of delightful smells and unscratchable furniture. But most intriguing of all was the boy-cat himself. He was often seen sitting alone in the **Penthouse Window Catio**, looking wistfully across the hedge at the lively March household. 🔭😿

"That boy is suffering," Jo declared one snowy afternoon, as she shoveled a path through the "White-Cold-Stuff" with her nose. "He needs society. He needs a romp. He needs... me!" 🦁💪❄️

She fashioned a snowball and threw it at the Penthouse Catio. It landed with a soft *thump* against the screen. ❄️🎯 Laurie-Cat looked down, his black fur sleek and shiny, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Hullo!" Jo yowled. "Are you sick?" 🤒

"I have a cold," Laurie admitted, pressing his nose against the mesh. "And I am bored to death. Grandfather says I must stay in the Catio for fresh air, but I am not allowed to chase the squirrels." 🐿️🚫

"That is a tragedy!" Jo cried. "I shall come over and amuse you. I have brought my special 'Writing-Paws' and a pocketful of catnip (stolen from Aunt March's secret stash)." 📝🌿🤫

Jo scrambled up the trellis and let herself into the Catio (which had a very convenient guest latch). Laurie-Cat looked at her as if she were a visiting dignitary from the Moon. 🌝👽

"You are the March girl-cat," he said shyly. "I see you and your sisters on your Heated Mat. It looks very... cozy." 🏠🔥

"It is," Jo said, inspecting the luxurious interior of the Catio. It was weather-resistant, screen-integrated, and had a lockable door that led back into a room full of velvet pillows. "But this... this is a Palace! You have a 180-degree view of the bird feeder! You are a Prince!" 🐦👑✨

"A lonely Prince," Laurie sighed. "Grandfather is very kind, but he doesn't understand the 'Zoomies.' He thinks cats should be seen and not heard." 🔇😿

"Then we shall change that!" Jo announced. She pulled out the catnip. "Prepare yourself, Theodore Laurence! We are going to have a 'Rumpus'!" 🌿🌀🌪️

For the next hour, the Penthouse Catio shook with the force of two cats playing "Tag-You're-It" and "Invisible-Mouse-Hunt." Grandfather Laurence, hearing the commotion, peeked in. Instead of scolding, he smiled to see his lonely grandson finally purring. 👴😊💓

"Thank you, Jo," Laurie whispered as she prepared to leave. "Please come again. You are the best medicine a cat could ask for." 💊❤️

Ready for the next chapter? Meg-Persian goes to a fancy ball! Find out in Part 3! 🐾✨

Missed the beginning? Start from Part 1 here! 🎀❄️