The Internet Murders www.silvaredigonda.ca

Francis was sitting at his back patio. He was feeding some poor cat. He had seen this one trying to get into his room, by the back window. The cat would perch on his windowsill and stare at him for hours while he was reading. He was very cute with two shades of browns and a tiny face that looked like a bat. He had two fangs that protruded. “What should I call you? Vampire?” Francis walked back towards the kitchen entrance. It was still too cold to sit out for long. He was waiting for one day when he could just sit on the back porch, without a coat. He suddenly felt like grilling on the BBQ. Yes he would do that in the summer, if it ever came. It was still freezing and it was the end of March. The sun was bright on most days, however, and that was welcoming for the spirit. The vampire kitty was forgotten as Francis wondered about the weather. He didn’t notice the little vampire following him into the house and entering the kitchen. He jumped up onto the table where there was cream for Mrs. Delany’s tea. Mrs. Delany screamed when she saw the bundle of fur, and the vampire fled running into Francis’ bedroom. “Oh my God in heaven! A big rat? What was that?” exclaimed Mrs. Delany. Francis began to laugh and laugh. For some reason the entire episode of the cat entering and jumping onto the table, and hearing Mrs. Delany scream, was the first time in a long time that anything struck him as funny. He laughed so hard that tears overwhelmed him. “Mrs. Delany. Please, some coffee for me and some of your lovely scones, and a bit of milk and some food for Holy Terror.” “Who is Holy Terror?” “The new member of our little family. You just met the little cat. I guess he needs a home and I do not think St. Francis would have kicked him out once he entered his home. What do you think Mrs. Delany?” Mrs. Delany did not like cats, especially in the house and never on a table. Fr. Francis was not a real saint, though he seemed to be, so many times. However, she had not heard Fr. Francis laugh in such a long time. God had sent Holy Terror to help him and who was she to argue with God. She would have to find out what they ate. In the meantime, there was some tuna …. She found an old soup bowl that was never used and poured some milk into it. She slowly bent to carefully place it on the floor. Fr. Francis moved quickly to help her. Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “The Internet Murders.”