One of the things that I find most distinctive about childhood is that back then I understood the world and today I donít. Back then, cause and effect were so intimately linked that if you were to ask me why somethingóanythingóhappened, I would have an answer for you promptly.
This is true for the Tiger Cold Shoulder Incident, for instance. Before I was five, a frequent visitor to the house was a stray orange tabby I naturally named Tiger. He came by all the time, and we were very friendly. Then I took a trip to New York for the summer with my parents. When I got back to St. Louis, I noticed Tiger wasnít coming around anymore. According to my brothers and sisters, he had shown up at the house once or twice, but after a time gave up looking for me. I found this exceptionally sad. There had been no way for me to let Tiger know I wasnít intentionally ignoring him, so now certainly he held a grudge. For the next few years I noticed the neighborhood cats just didnít seem as friendly as they once had been. Instead of greeting me and running up to get petted, theyíd dart away no matter how gently I approached. Cause and effect: Tiger had felt snubbed, so he turned the hearts of all other cats from me. It was just the way things were, and though I was saddened by this turn of events, it didnít even occur to me that my view might not be accurate.
DEAR ZAK
IWAS WANTING
TO TELL
YOU THAT
DOMINIC IS SCREMING
FROM THERESA