Lois Letchford Reads: The Killer Cat Runs Away - Chapter 7

11 Feb 2021 · 3 min

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2:58

In this YouTube video, author Lois Letchford introduces herself and her memoir before reading aloud Chapter 7, “Dead Mice and Birds,” from Anne Fiennes' children’s book The Killer Cat Runs Away. The chapter centers on a group of cat characters—Tuffy, Bella, Tiger, and Snowball—who debate what to eat after Tuffy decides to leave the group to “seek his fortune.” Bella suggests staying, but Tuffy argues that cats historically ate dead mice and birds, a notion the others find repulsive. The dialogue highlights the cats’ personalities, their fear of primitive diets, and Tuffy’s determination to venture out despite the group’s anxiety. The reading ends with the gang watching Tuffy depart, expressing both sorrow and a promise not to forget him.

Chapters

Hello, I'm Lois Letchford, author of the book Reversed: A Memoir, and reading from Anne Fiennes' The Killer Cat Runs Away, chapter 7, Dead Mice and Birds. Yuck! Out on the wall, the gang were waiting. So, Bella said, you're really off? Yes, I said proudly. I'm not going to stay where I'm not wanted. They were still anxious. But Tuffy, if no one in Ellie's family is there to put your food in front of you, what are you going to eat? I had to think. In the end, I said, I'm a cat, so if I don't find anything else, there's always the old traditional standby. They all looked blank. Dead mice and birds, I said. I don't think I've ever seen 3 faces look more disgusted. Dead mice and birds? Yuck! You're joking! What? Pick off all that hair and fur and feathers and stuff and actually eat the things? Horror show idea! Full gross-out! What a sick plan! You must be off your head! Listen, I said. Dead mice and birds is what cats used to eat. They weren't convinced. Yes, back in the Stone Age. Before cat food was invented, about a million years ago. Don't be such wimps, I told them. Why, I can remember my mother telling me proudly that my own grandfather was known as a splendid mouser. I bet he didn't eat the things he caught. I bet he did, I argued. Tiger was determined. No way! He'd been sick! I'd have been sick just watching him, added Snowball. I wasn't going to hang around and argue. It was getting dark, so I got Bella and Snowball to hold my collar tight while I slipped out of it. Then, farewell, gang! I said. I'm off to seek my fortune! Wish me luck! They all came further along the wall to watch me go. Tiger waved a forlorn paw. Don't you forget us, Tuffy. No! Don't forget us. We won't forget you. No, never.