Disclaimer: Garfield and all related characters are the intellectual property of Paws Inc. and Paramount Global/Nickelodeon at the time this story was written.
Bonus Chapter: What if Garfield Won?
The moon illuminates the brightest light in the dark, night sky all across a particular quiet suburban neighborhood in Muncie, Indiana. Inside a house residing on Maple Street, Garfield, Odie, Nermal, and Arlene make themselves comfortable on or in front of the living room sofa. Their eyes are solely focused on the television screen as they watch an academy award show for cats on the channel known as WKAT, a secret channel exclusive to cats. Normally, Odie shouldn't be allowed to watch this particular program, as he's a dog, but since all of his friends consisted of cats, they allowed him to watch the show alongside them so as to make sure he isn't left out of the group.
"And the award for most food eaten in an entire household goes to…" The announcer said, opening the envelope in anticipation.
"Me, me! Come on, you all know it's me!" Garfield said, slightly inching his face closer to the TV.
"...Garfield, the orange cat!" The announcer finishes, the audience cheering.
"WHAT!?" Arlene and Nermal shout simultaneously.
*AAARF!?* Odie barks, just as perplexed as they are.
"*GASP* YES! YEEESSS! WE ALL KNEW IT WAS ME!" Garfield cheers, standing up from the sofa and raising his hands high in the air. "WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!"
"It's not fair!" Nermal angrily shouts, stomping his feet on the ground. "How come he wins an award, but not little ol' me, the cutest kitty cat in the whole, wide world!? I demand a recount!"
"Relax, Nermal." Arlene said, sitting on the opposite side of him on the sofa. "It's just a trophy. I mean, it really doesn't mean anything in the long run, right Garfi-"
Upon turning to face him, she realizes that the orange cat is nowhere in sight.
"Garfield?" The three remaining animals look all around for him…
"Thank you! Thank you all!"
…until Odie sees him on the TV screen claiming his award.
"How did he get there so fast!?" Nermal asks.
"Well, you know Garfield, whenever he wants something, he'll run even faster than the speed of dark to get it." Arlene replies, smiling for her best friend as the audience cheers him on.
"I'd like to thank all the little people and pizza delivery boys and girls everywhere for helping me make winning this award possible! *BURP*" Garfield said, a tear falling from his eye as he shows off his pizza-shaped trophy. "But it really doesn't matter to me, 'cause I won this trophy, and you didn't!" He points to the reader…
…and winks at them before the scene irises out.
The End!