Disclaimer: I don't own Cats!

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The autumn wind brought a pleasant feeling to all of the Jellicles. They loved to watch the red, orange, and yellow leaves of the few trees that they could see from the junkyard. The white mist that came out of the mouth whenever one talked or exhaled during the cold mornings was a great excitement to the kittens. However, autumn was also a season of worrying, for the cats had something that they had to prepare for… winter.

Munkustrap, the protector of the Jellicles, knew by his senses that this winter was going to be especially cold. This meant no time for fooling around.

He went around the tribe and made sure that all cats were saving enough food for the winter… efficiently.

Of course, there had to be food saved for the tribe, not just for each family; therefore, less food was distributed for each family these days.

With these two types of saving food combined, there were complaints. The kittens often complained about their hunger, but they knew that this was necessary in order to prevent starving in the freezing months.

"Hey Tugger! How many times did I tell you that you have to save some food by yourself? The food that we save as a tribe won't be enough! You have to save food by yourself too so that you don't starve!" shouted angry Munkustrap at his irresponsible brother.

"Munkustrap, just… ugh! Chill! It's alright. I can handle it," he replied with a rather violent calm-down gesture.

Munkustrap knew what he wanted to scream upon the tom, but he kept it to himself. He just nodded with an angry face and kept moving on.

Like I'm going to lend him any food, he thought. He was reminded of last winter… but he didn't want to think about it.

(Last year, the Rum Tum Tugger decided that he was smart enough to find a way for food during winter: He did not save any food for himself. Of course, as the cold season started, he started to get thinner. Desperate, he started to come to the protector's den every morning and plead him for food. Tired of his pleading and pleading, Munkustrap gave up and started to give some of his portion of food to his brother. Of course, such actions made Munkustrap thinner and thinner each week. It was a nightmare for the protector.)

Days passed, and Munkustrap's worry about the winter started to thicken. He knew he had to let the stress out somehow… somehow… before the winter…

That afternoon, Munkustrap visited the den where his father, Old Deuteronomy, lived.

"Father, I believe I am in need of… of…" Munkustrap couldn't quite finish the sentence – he was afraid of the what the leader's reaction may be.

Old Deuteronomy just gave him a curious look.

"I need a break… before the winter comes. Just to clear my mind and get ready to prepare more efficiently," Munkustrap said, forcing courage into his words.

"Of course, son. I know that a vacation will allow you to let out all of your worries and such and… let you prepare better, indeed…" Old Deuteronomy answered.

Munkustrap was confused if the leader was indirectly commenting that his actions of preparations were rather poor. However, he just smiled an appreciation.

That evening, there was a group meeting. It was, like most meetings, quite humdrum. A repetition of this and that, saving food, not making too much noise, etc…

"…and finally, this: I will be taking a vacation, starting tomorrow. I apologize about how sudden this is, but I am in need of a time of rest so that I will be able to better perform my responsibilities related to preparing for the winter," Munkustrap announced.

Some cats – they were somewhat half-asleep – looked up.

"During that time, Alonzo will act as the protector. You must give him all the respect that you gave to me. By the way, just in case you are curious, I will be in the city streets during my vacation," Munkustrap finished.

Jemima suddenly raised her paw. Her eyes were the purest that Munkustrap had ever seen.

"Yes, Jemima?"

"Munkustrap… I'm not sure if this is allowable… but…"

"It's alright. You can say it," Munkustrap said. How would he not allow something for the kitten?

"Well… you know I never went outside of the junkyard…"

Munkustrap's face froze.

"…so maybe… if I can go with you…"

"Uh… Jemima… I think I would prefer to just spend time by myself…"

"I know. But if I can't go this time, I'll have to wait until spring! You know how much I have wanted to go… Oh! And my parents already permitted me!"

Munkustrap gave Old Deuteronomy a please-help-me look. The old cat just gave him a firm nod.

"Ok. I suppose that Jemima will be going with me as well. Now, the issues for the meeting have been covered; I officially declare the end of today's meeting. Thank you; you may now go spend your time."

Munkustrap leaped down tiredly from the cardboard box and walked to Jemima.

"Munkustrap, thanks," she said quietly.

"You're welcome," he sighed with a smile, "After all, your friends like Etcetera and Electra have all, at least once, seen the world outside of the junkyard. And anyways, since you already have a tomfriend, I suppose you're more than old enough to see what's outside…"

"Hey! That's private! Don't mention my tomfriend… I mean, friend…" Jemima said with a giggle on her face, now red with embarrassment.

Munkustrap tried to give a friendly smile. He made sure that his groaning and complaining and screaming in his mind didn't come out.