Fur and Moonlight

by Mari Mitchell

A devilish creature had been killing livestock and unfortunate folks who found themselves in the woods alone. Flesh ripped from their bones, their souls lost evermore.

For a week and a day, my papa hunted the creature hoping to put an end to its life. With a single shot he put the hellish creature down. Papa said it was almost human. He took great care with its pelt and feasted upon its flesh before he returned home to us.

From its pelt he made four pairs of boots. One for me, so this coming winter my feet would not feel the cold touch of the snow. Sable soft fur lined the inside of the boots and tickled my bare skin.

Papa had gone to town to sell the boots and to buy gifts with the extra money he was sure to earn. I requested a silver looking-glass. Mama wanted only a new soup pot, but Papa said, “Fine, but I’ll get something lovely for your hair, too.” He touched Mama’s long hair and kissed the top of her head. “For it was your auburn hair that I first fell in love with; it is the gift you share with our daughter.”

Mama blushed and gave him a tender embrace before he rode off.

* * *

The night Papa was gone, my thoughts and body were too restless for sleep. The waxing moon painted my room in gossamer light and the night called to me join her. I donned my woolen cape and my new boots before I stole out.

Among the stars, I danced to the strangest tune. Creatures sang songs of unrestrained freedom, as instruments of nature accompanied. My body grew hot as if bathed in fire and soon I shed the confines of my clothes. My skin was now free to taste the cool night. My body grew heavy from my revelry, I laid my head down and shut my eyes.

In the arms of a goliath elm, I woke the same evening. The moon hidden by clouds looked down upon my new form with grace. Eyes no longer hindered by darkness, softest auburn fur covered my body. My muscles tensed with alertness as I took in the world anew. A hunger burned in my belly as I caught the scent of live prey and listened to it wrestle in its bed. My tail twitched with anticipation of my first hunt.

I slipped into the house and watched with curiosity the false safety of slumber. In a single leap, I was on top of my prey. She called for help with my former name: ”Kelli!” My claws extended, I easily stripped ribbons of red flesh from bone and watched her soul fade away.

* * *

With great satisfaction, I wash my soft auburn fur, taking care to clean my lovely boots as I lie in wait for Papa to return home bearing a silver looking-glass for me to admire all that I have become.

I smile as I recall Papa telling me, ’Kelli my child, don’t play with your food.’ But he cannot taste its pleasure.

In his pouch, I shall find Mama’s ribbons and tie the loveliest around my fine neck. I shall purr gently, as I cook hunter’s stew in Mama’s new pot, awaiting the company of three other cats in fine fur-lined boots to join me.