I tried to dodge but his claws slashed across my thigh leaving long bloody tracks. I wanted to curse but all that came out was a pathetic squeak. I had yet to lay a finger on him but he had torn up my foot, my left arm and now my leg. We stood apart, breathing heavily, eyes locked.

“Give it up. It’s not worth it.” He just slashed his tail back and forth, plotting his next move. A split second warning was not enough as he gathered himself in. He launched straight up into the air; instinctively my arms jerked up but not fast enough. He landed awkwardly on my shoulder and both hind legs raked down my pects. Agony and fire took my breath.

Before I could fully recover he was off, over the couch and headed for the windows. I made a grab for him but got nothing but a handful of fur. One final leap knocked over what was left of my crystal chess set. He landed square on the sill and with a silly chitter claimed his prize. crunch

“Damn cat, all that for a fly.”