Black Finally Admits She’s Hurt
Yellow Cat Story 73 begins with Black talking to Madam after spending several days away from home.
At first, she sounds confident.
She says she has been busy walking around the neighborhood, visiting the food street, checking the wine bar, and generally keeping up with what is happening around town.
Madam then brings up the wine bar girl.
Why did Black fight with her?
Black immediately corrects the accusation.
She did not fight.
She only gave the girl some advice.
Apparently, the advice involved staying away from other people’s men—and perhaps a little unwanted hair styling with Black’s claws.
But when the conversation turns to Church Guy, Black’s voice changes.
She admits that she likes his calm voice and the way he looks during prayer and choir practice.
Then, finally, she says the one thing she has been avoiding.
She feels a little sad.
Black Says She Is Moving On
After admitting the truth, Black decides she has had enough.
She announces that Church Guy is not the only man in the world.
She needs to live her own life.
No more church.
No more checking what time he arrives.
No more wandering near his house.
Madam is impressed.
For once, Black sounds completely serious.
Then Black pauses.
There is one small question.
What time does choir practice start tomorrow?
Madam immediately notices the problem.
Black still has the schedule.
Black insists that this proves nothing.
It is not a Church Guy schedule.
It is a prayer schedule.
The Evening Prayer Problem
By evening, Black has found another perfectly reasonable explanation for going back to church.
Prayer.
She tells Madam that evening prayer is good for the heart.
It helps her stay calm.
It clears her mind.
It helps her forget unnecessary things.
Madam asks whether “unnecessary things” includes Church Guy.
Black strongly objects.
She is only going to pray.
Nothing more.
Then Madam points out another coincidence.
Church Guy happens to be there at exactly the same time.
Black insists that this has nothing to do with her.
That, apparently, is between him and God.
Black Knows the Schedule
Madam is no longer convinced.
Black knows when choir practice starts.
She knows when evening prayer begins.
She knows when Church Guy usually appears.
For someone trying very hard to forget him, Black’s calendar is surprisingly accurate.
Madam asks the obvious question.
Does Black know his prayer schedule too?
Black refuses to accept the accusation.
It is not his schedule.
It is a church schedule.
Technically, she may have a point.
Emotionally, probably not.
Moving On in the Wrong Direction
Black truly wants to believe that she is recovering.
She has admitted the hurt.
She has declared independence.
She has promised herself a new life.
Unfortunately, every road in that new life still seems to lead directly back to the church.
Black says she is moving on.
She just happens to be moving in Church Guy’s direction. 😹