The air around Mouschi dimmed and brightened and seemed to change colors. There were more colors than he had ever seen. He felt as if he was floating and wondered if he was dreaming. There was music all around him and he felt so strange.

The movement stopped, and he opened his eyes. He stood and looked around him. There were dozens of cats of all colors and sizes standing in a circle around him. The air seemed to hum with music and he shook his head. "Where am I?"

A beautiful siamese stepped forward from the group. "I am Moki," she said, "Welcome to the Rainbow Bridge."

The Rainbow Bridge -- he had heard his mom talk about this place. He sighed.

A young cream and amber tom approached and presented his nose. "I am Eatbugs, welcome."

Mouschi greeted the kiddens one by one and thanked them for their welcome. Moki, Eatbugs, Smokey, Tinky, Imbri, Justin, Sunny...they all seemed familiar.

The group of cats purred quietly and started to lead Mouschi over the Bridge. He stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"What's the matter?" asked Tinky.

"I want to say something to my mom. Can she still hear me?"

"I don't know, but we can try."

The kiddens all formed a circle with Mouschi in the center. He pursed his whiskers in concentration and thought with all his might. "Mom, can you hear me? I love you mom and I will wait for you. Please don't cry for me. I am healthy now and I am not alone. And mom -- thank you. I hurt so much and even though I know you loved me, thank you for letting me go. I love you." Mouschi stood up and looked at the others. "I am ready now."

Eatbugs came up beside him and gave him a gentle earlick. "You'll like it here. And don't worry about being lonely, if you listen real hard you can hear your mom thinking about you. I do it all the time."

And together they crossed the Bridge.

© Copyright 1991 Constance Jenkins. All Rights Reserved. The author retains all copyright and intellectual rights to this work. It may not be printed in whole or in part without express written permission.