I woke at seven that morning, which was unusual. It was summer, and despite the sun that peeked through my windows at the early hours, I found myself sleeping until noon or later. Waking up so early made me realize how much I was missing while I slept the day away. I saw Munkustrap and Alonzo switching shifts from the night watch; that was something I'd never seen before.
"Good morning, Victoria!" Munkustrap called out to me as I stood at the entrance of my den.
"Morning, Munk," I replied.
"It's shocking to see you up so early. What brings you to experience the AM life of a Jellicle?"
"I'm not exactly sure, to tell you the truth. I'm also lost on what to do to occupy my time."
"Well, you could always go catch yourself a nice breakfast. Oh, and maybe some of your friends are up early, you could go see them," Munkustrap suggested.
I thanked him for the advice, although I knew none of my friends would be up until at least one o'clock. I stretched out and walked towards the rabbit-filled field on the outskirts of the junkyard.
My stomach growled as I stalked the grounds. Most cats underestimate my hunting abilities. When I was little, Mistoffelees had to catch my food for me because I was so weak. But as I grew, and really got into dance, I developed the strength and agility to make me a pretty good hunter.
I caught a rabbit and sat under the nearest tree. Breakfast was something I hadn't experienced in a while. I usually woke up and ate lunch. After eating my rabbit, which was delicious, by the way, I walked back through the field. For some strange reason, I felt eyes following me. I picked up my pace a little and before long, I was back in the junkyard, safe and unharmed.
To my surprise, I saw Jemima sunbathing on a tire. I wondered why she was up so early.
"Morning, Jemima! Wow, it's a shock to see someone else up this early," I said softly, trying not to startle her. She had no idea I was standing right there.
Her eyes slowly opened as she said, "Wow, good morning Vic!"
"Do you mind if I lay here? I'm really bored."
"Sure, go ahead. I know what you mean. I've been laying here all morning. Why are you up so early?" she questioned.
"I was wondering the same thing about you. But, to be honest, I have no clue why I'm up. It's kind of refreshing, though."
For about another hour or so, we sat there and talked. The junkyard was still quiet, though more queens and toms awoke to start their day. The sun got hotter as I told Jemima goodbye and started to walk back to my den.
It was about nine o'clock in the morning and the air inside was cool. I sat at the window and watched the wind blow. Then, I cleaned up a bit and bathed. The day was going by so, so slowly. As I laid on a blanket, lost in memories of last year's Jellicle Ball, I couldn't help but to get that strange feeling again.
I felt shivers run up my spine as unknown, hot eyes burnt into me. Was someone there with me? I thought for sure I was alone. Most Jellicles keep their doors unlocked since we're all friends here at the junkyard, however I could sense this stranger was not welcome.
"Is my mind playing tricks on me?" I thought to myself.
Call me crazy, but I swear, I heard a faint whisper of a tom's voice saying, "No."