Crusty Crusty

This is Book 2 in the Larry Bottem monogy. Make sure to read LBSS first: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=9780578933634 For generations, a few Bands of wild cats have shared the forest according to laws that somebody arbitrarily instituted at some point in the past. But some of them are in danger as a series of highly improbable and incredibly stupid events occur! Oh no, who woulda thunk? In the midst of the turmoil appears a "cat" called Crusty, who is senile and dumb. A tale of commitment, loneliness, hope, and loss.

There was a knock at the bathroom door, making me jump and clutch the shower curtain against my chest. I peek around the corner of it and call out a tired "yeah?". "Can I come in? I just need to get something quick before I run to the store." Mom calls from the cracked open bathroom door. "Go ahead, and if you're going can you please grab some better body wash?" I stare at the crusty green bar of soap in my hand and listen to her shuffle in. She mumbles a quick agreement and continues to go about her search. I wonder what she's looking for, I can hear her scrambling through the totes underneath the sink and I push the curtain to the side just enough to peer out of it. The tiny woman is sitting on her knees, digging for something. She really is small, I swear she looks like a child, if only she were that innocent. With that thought, there was a pause, and she takes a sigh of relief. She found whatever it was she was looking for and starts to stand. I shrink further back so she won't catch a glimpse of my peeking eyes. I watch and she shoves a little baggy of something into her pocket. I don't have to look any closer to guess what it is. She walks out, happy as can be. I stare at the door, feeling my heart drop.