The Abyssinian Crouched at the Barn Door and Old Gus Looked Back
The old barn door is cracked open, and two faces are looking out. A ruddy Abyssinian crouches in the green grass outside, ears erect and gold-green eyes alert, her body low like a tiny lion. In the dark doorway beside her, a tortoise has stretched his neck over the wooden threshold, shell scraped and mossy. Cobwebs hang at the top of the frame, and straw rustles inside.
Abyssinians are active, athletic cats, with a short, ticked coat that looks like a wild cat's. They are known for being curious and fearless, and a barn is a natural place for them to investigate. Tortoises like dark, sheltered places where they can hide from heat and predators, so a barn corner is a welcome retreat. Barns can hold hazards, though, such as rusty nails and tools, so check the space and keep tortoises in a secure, safe area. A reptile vet can advise on the right shelter for a tortoise.
We can call the tortoise Gus. He has the look of an old gatekeeper who has seen it all. The Abyssinian watches him, tail flicking, as if waiting for a password. Neither of them says a word. Behind them, the barn is full of long shadows, and in front of them, the yard is full of light. They look out together, both ready for whatever comes through.
