Munkustrap, Why?
Characters: Munkustrap, Demeter, and Jemima
Genre: Hurt/Comfort
Rating: K+
Based on: Wesley, Why? by Matt Wertz
On the old, almost broken radio that sat atop of the counter in the kitchen of Munkustrap and Demeter's den. Jemima, their little girl, was sleeping when they got the big news.
A Jellicle announcer said in a professional tone, "Macavity, the Hidden Paw, and his army of Pollicle dogs have officially declared war on the Jellicle cats. We'll need soldiers, and soon. It's a hard time in the junkyard, but what has to be done, has to be done."
A tear slowly rolled down the furry cheek of Demeter. "D-does this mean…?" she asked.
Munkustrap gently nodded his head as he quietly sobbed his wife, and then embraced her in a hug.
That was the night he left for battle. Jemima was crying uncontrollably and calling out, "Daddy! Please don't leave me!"
Munkustrap bent down to her eyelevel and said, "Jemima. I love you. I'm just going on vacation, sweetie, I'll be home before you know it."
The young kit couldn't find the strength to answer. She stood silently weeping as her father hugged Demeter goodbye. He waved his final goodbye and the two girls watched a great husband and father walk out the door.
That was the first night Munkustrap couldn't tuck his daughter into bed. That was the first night Jemima ate dinner without her father at the table. That was the first night Demeter fell asleep in her bed alone.
It's quiet around this table tonight
It's half empty in this house
And this half don't know what to do
We keep waiting for you footsteps at the back door
We keep waiting for the punch line of the joke
We keep shedding these tears
And shouting at the moon
Munkustrap, why'd you have to leave us so soon?
Jemima walked into her mother's room that night. She stood in the doorway with tears in her eyes.
"Momma," she whispered.
Demeter sat upright and patted the bed, signaling for Jemima to lay down beside her.
"I miss him, too," the mother cat cried softly, "I miss him, too."