The College Dean

I had to pick my oldest cat Jim as the college dean. He's been through generations of youngsters. But now Dean Jim is in the twilight of his life. He's not as tolerant of the youthful exuberance of the new students. He's achy, tired and impatient. He prefers to spend his days sitting at a sunny window, delicately plucking good memories and using them to snooze. Dean Jim hates being involved now in the conflicts of the younger cats. The fussing and gamesmanship seems so pointless to a man of his age.  "Why can't they just leave each other alone", he grumbles. He sometimes misses Mary the Elder who was his mentor in this thankless job.

Dean Jim used to be young and full of himself. When confronted with conflict - his first instinct was to jump into the fray and bat some heads around.

Lately, his indifference is causing concern and speculation. As he retreats more into his memories and warm spots others are jockeying for position.

But, his saving grace, for now, is CC. More about her next.