The Ice Queen Returneth

It was the coldest day of winter, so far.  It was sleeting.  Rain was freezing on surfaces.  I was cozily and contentedly sipping a cup of Vacation Vanilla coffee with a sprinkle of cinnamon to jazz it up a bit and indulging in my new addiction/passion - Online Bingo - when there came a knock on the door.  And so, I reluctantly put down my mug and left what was surely my Winning Card to answer.

Something breezed past my ankles and made a jangling noise as it swept past.

"I'm back."  And there she was, dragging my favorite and missing bracelet.

"Rosie!"  I cried.  "Where have you been?"

"Out seeing the world. Frankly, I don't like what's out there right now.  You never told me about this stuff called ice.  And I'm starving.  You humans might think mice are a tasty feast to us, but I wouldn't have one of those nasty little things if it was called Chicken of the Woods and came deboned in a pop-top can.  And I've heard rumors - Is it true that The Boy has left home?"

I just knew she would be crushed to find out Dale was gone, and tried to break the truth of it gently to her.

"Yes...he's a married man now, Rosie - but it doesn't mean he doesn't love you anymore.  He'll be back for visits."

"That means his room is free, doesn't it?  Let's see what you've done with it."

She streaked down the hall, ice melting from her coat, leaving tiny puddles on the linoleum, and inspected the room.

"Hmm.  There's not a decorative bone in your body, is there?" She jumped onto the bed, leaned back and said - "Ok, here's the deal.  I want pillows.  Lots of them, in bright colors - or pink will be fine.  And I happened to spy that new jewelry box on your dresser as I passed your room - nice lid.  But useless.  I want it.  It will look nice in here.  Oh, and the walls need pictures.  Nature scenes, I think.  And one of me, right there on the widest part of the wall.  In the meantime, I could really use something to eat.  Would you get that for me?"

I shook my head and did what Slaves do for their Feline Queens - went to prepare her dinner.  But as I walked away, I heard her say...

"Nice room.  It has possibilities.  and...it's MINE now."