The sun was high, the air was calm, and the street was quiet. The stage was set for a long-awaited battle.

This would be no ordinary battle. There would be no weapons – at least not in the traditional sense – nor would there be any armor. This was to be a good ol’ fashion hand-to-hand combat.

Even more peculiar would be the opponents. On one side was a man and his cats, and on the other side was a neighborhood of squirrels.

What brought these two sides to quarrel? Some believe it stems back to the time the man was a boy and accidentally ate a butterfly. It’s believed the bugs did not see this as an accident, and knowing their size and strength, enlisted the help of the squirrels. Others believe it was jealousy of the cats being stuck inside a house while the squirrels had free roam over a vast land; Day after day of watching the squirrels run and jump in the trees caused them to snap. Whatever the cause, a full blown war was likely unnecessary.

The man stood stoically staring out the glass storm door. On his left was the fearless calico, Neftekhimik. On his right was the serious black tabby, Amur. They watched the squirrels frolicking in the low branches, knowing it was all an act. They knew the squirrels were ready to spring to action as soon as the door opened.

Doubt did not enter the man’s heart or his head. He wanted to make sure his companions felt the same way, so he knelt down to share his courage.

“This day has been a long time coming. These inharmonious, nut-stealing, shifty-eyed rodents have been a nuisance long enough. We have taken their stares and dodged their acorns for too long. I waited for worthy companions to join me in battle and I found what I was looking for in the two of you. We shall wait no longer! Today, my friends, we shall destroy our enemies, regain our pecan trees, and once again feel safe in our home and neighborhood!”

The cats meowed in agreement and the door was opened. Neftekhimik was the first to run out, her battle cry bringing the attention of all the squirrels. Next was Amur followed by the man, both of them shouting their own battle cries.

Little bodies were booted.

Hands were scratched.

Ears were bitten.

Acorns were thrown.

This was not a battle for the faint of heart. The small critters fought valiantly, but the man and his cats fought more fiercely than anyone would have imagined. Amur’s acrobatic moves stunned his opponents. Neftekhimik’s screams pierced sharper than any dagger. The man’s squirrel-throws astonished even his own troops.

By the end of the battle on the small lot of land, the sun was lower, a slight breeze began to sway the now empty trees, and little tufts of fur rolled like tumbleweeds down the vacant avenue.

Yes, the battle had been won by the man and his cats, but how long would the peace last? There were three of them and thousands more squirrels that would catch wind of this day’s outcome.

Worry would not immediately bother the victors. For the time being, they sat on the porch and quietly enjoyed watching the sun set over their squirrel-free yard. The day was theirs.

Dedicated to Gabriel and his warriors, especially Neffy who is still out there kickin’ butt.