if all of the anger I’d harbored for forty years was instantly discharged. That night I took Robert home and so began my love for Robert and all cats. As far as I’m concerned, they are the wisest creatures on earth.”

My first inclination was to see if Samuel was pulling my leg. His sense of humor was as vibrant as his jogging suits and I often had to double-check to make sure Robert wasn’t using wittiness to get my full attention. But it was clear that this was not a story told for laughs. Samuel’s eyes were filled with tears and his voice quivered as he told me of Robert. I said noting but I resolved