Pretending is hard. It is almost unfair how good I am at making this look good.

"Michael. I am packed for the conference!" said Cara.

Cara was so nice. She found Reggie by the pier looking for scraps from the local fishermen. She could not help but feel sorry for the feline. Cara had already met Michael and they had a nice home together as newly weds. Michael had never had a cat in his home. Fortunately, he was not allergic to cats. Understanding Reggie's nature, Cara smiled as Reggie said that he had scout's honor. 

Reggie did not speak right away after they found him. It took a while for Reggie to open up and confess that somehow he had the unheard of ability for a cat to decipher human speech. Reggie learned human vocabulary from area fishermen and the various people who support and benefit from the industry. Reggie used to hear fishermen talk to restaurant buyers and delivery people, as well as to each other. The most impressive words he had heard and understood were from the accountants who sometimes accompanied the buyers or the drivers who handle delivery. 

The only issue was that some of the languages was a little bit coarse. Reggie thought everyone spoke this way. Cara and Michael quickly broke him of that habit. Ever since, the three of them have lived together as a small, warm, peculiar little family.

"Well, I have to go out of town today Reggie," said Cara.

" I have a presentation today and a full business day after I drop Cara off. Can you keep an eye on the place?" said Michael.

"Don't worry. I told the cats in the neighborhood to stay out of the bird feeder and warned the rodents to stay out of the trash. Ginger and Felix are cool. They said that the grandmother down the street cooks food for an army of grandchildren and there is plenty to go around that is leftovers. The opossums and the raccoon were not thrilled but they agreed to be on their best behavior and leave the garage out of their territory. They really liked going to the.. Uh, nevermind. Oh, I got Rocco and Matilda to stop leaving droppings on the sedan."

"I wondered why it was so clean! You are such a good boy, Reggie." said Cara.

"Okay. Sorry about the long pause, pal. Agreed. You are a good boy," said a teasing Michael.

"We'd better go. Traffic could be a problem if we do not leave." said Cara.

"Okay. I am going to miss you guys. Go team!" exclaimed Reggie.