A Memorable Mistake

My first attempt blackening a chicken breast on the stovetop went without supervision. Overworked assembling other ingredients, I failed to notice smoke accumulating along the ceiling. At last I looked up and saw.

It was too late. The smoke alarm sounded before I could react. Our home security service reached out and I assured them that we needed no assistance. However, a fire truck already approached our street. I dreaded what the bill might be.

Meeting a surprising number of emergency responders outside, I mentioned understanding that my carelessness could be costly. As luck would have it, the very tall fireman led a training session and assured me there would be no cost to us.

He politely asked if they could come inside. I readily agreed. Acting respectful and kind, they all seemed amused by the situation, entertained by my goofy commentary, and happy to let me follow their little tour around our home. This memorable experience also proved our elderly cat’s deafness.

Somehow oblivious to all the goings on, Jezebel never left her spot on the couch. She did notice the emergency responders entering the room. That sweet face tilted up, and up, and up until her eyes met the fireman’s. It must have been even more surreal for her. We miss you, sweet Jezzy.

I adored that notch in her ear and always wonder if
she earned it winning some cat fight while
still a kitten out on the mean streets...

Should I somehow add Jezebel’s name to this? And since I originally intended including this tale with yesterday’s post I want to ask, do you prefer shorter or longer reads?

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