Envy

– It's still raining.
– Yes. It's been going on for a while now. I had thought about doing some planting in the garden this evening. But it looked a bit too wet to venture out. The plants will have to wait.
– It's not what you expect from May. Should be warm. And balmy.
– I know. We had some hail yesterday. Quite a lot: the ground was covered in a carpet of hailstones. The weather is certainly unseasonal.
– Even the cat seems confused by it all. Not sure whether to stay in or go out.
– To be honest, the cat is pretty indecisive at the best of times. I don't think she really appreciates the passing of the seasons. She probably doesn't remember much from one year to the next. In cat years, last summer must seem a long time ago.
– She remembers some things. Like where she lives. And when mealtimes are. And that the fridge contains stuff to eat.
– When you put it that way, she does seem fairly bright. Perhaps I don't push her enough.
– Where do you want to push her?
– I mean intellectually. To try and develop her full potential. Expand her horizons.
– It could be dangerous.
– How do you mean?
– She may start to feel frustrated at the emptiness of her life. And resent you for the opportunities you enjoy.
– To tell the truth, she does look a bit peeved sometimes. Usually at the contents of her food bowl. Especially when she sees what I'm having for dinner.
– There you go. It's starting already.