I have a deep seated revulsion of cockroaches. So I try my best to keep my home pest free by sweeping corners and under every damn thing. I keep the Spray too handy.
I visited my neighbor to have a formal chat and in due course a big cockroach appeared from under their sofa. The couple looked on benignly while something rose up in my chest. Their kitten started playing with it, pouncing on the thing and grabbing it and shovelling the ugly creature. I have never seen a cockroach run so fast across the room with the kitten in pursuit.
By now I felt a scream in my head and looked on aghast. The kitten now had the cockroach in its mouth and the sight was from a horror film. The dashed kitten put its prey down and looked steadily at me! I had to look away from such a chilling stare.
Meanwhile the cockroach made a dash to the bedroom and the blessed couple chuckled indulgently. “Please kill it”, I pleaded with the man of the house, trying to keep my scream down. The cockroach and kitten in tow came back before me and their dance continued.
He, that householder, gave it a mild tap with his bare feet. Can a cockroach die with such mildness? You need to whack it hard a dozen times! The bloody duo made it to the door and the cockroach went out into the garden with the kitteny boss following.
I said a hasty goodbye and ran home where I quieted my heaving chest with a few deep breaths. Never again eat anything from that queer house I promised myself. They are actually one of the best cooks in the neighborhood. But living with cockroaches? Ugh!!

Sheila Ebenezer