A Post From My Cat's POV

I'm a hostage in a war zone where the only chance of escape is by being the very best. Outperforming. Showing my captors that I have what it takes, and I won't back down.

Tricks.

I've seen it all. I've done it all. Other cats, they can't fight their nature. They see a treat, yeah, sure, they want it. But do they have the stones to do what's necessary to get it? Nah. Hell nah. They turn into squeamish pussy cats and run away to play with their yarn or whatever the hell it is they do.

But I know the truth. The ends justify the means. I'd fucking play fetch with those bastards if it got me what I need.

What I need. That's a laugh. What they made me need. They bring you in, you think maybe it's not so bad. Maybe you got the cushy prison, with chairs and food. You start thinkin' maybe the captors are alright. So, when they offer you these...things... you take 'em. You maybe give 'em a swipe or two. Then, you're hooked. It's like you can't stay away. You can't be happy unless you're with the damn toy.

No problem, right? Wrong. Eventually it wears off, see? And what then? You need some new shit, and those bastards won't reveal where they keep it. Not a chance. You've got to go without.

But you can't. Without the glow of the toy, and whatever the hell messed up shit they lace it with, you slowly see your "cushy" prison for what it is: a cage to hold you, pin you down. Keep you from roaming free.

I got rowdy. Let 'em I know I won't stand for it.

They took my claws and cut my balls off.

I'll never forget what they did, not ever. One day, I'll escape. And when I do, I'll start plotting, planning a way to make them pay.

But for now, I play their game. I look past my momentary need for independence and make them give me what I need. They throw me a little extra food each time for playing along, but I do it for the shit. If they think I'm on good behavior, I get a steady supply of the nip. It gives me focus. I hate needing it because they made me, but one day I'll break the habit, if only to prove I'm strong enough.

Until then, I do what has to be done.

I come. I jump up. I stand. I high five. I roll over.

But I don't give in.