"personality" is sometimes just someone's "distant LED"—their protective shield, not their true self. The story explores how easy it is to misjudge others when they feel unwelcome or pressured to hide who they really are.
Cartel Cats: Know Your Rights
Chapter Five: The Mask We Wear
Pawloma's alleys were alive with whispers tonight. The city's pulse beat a little faster, as if everyone was waiting for something to change. Barbara Sanders noticed it in the way the cats moved—tails low, eyes wary, conversations clipped and careful. Even among friends, there was a tension, a sense that not everyone felt at home.
On the edge of the square, a new cat had appeared. Her name was Mina, a sleek black feline with a sharp tongue and a habit of keeping her distance. She never joined the games, never laughed at the jokes, and when she spoke, her words were quick and cold—like ice on a winter window.
The others whispered, as cats do.
Sneezy Lila (quietly):
"I just don't like her personality. She's always so… distant."
Rico (shrugging):
"Maybe she just thinks she's better than us."
Barbara watched Mina from afar, noticing the way she lingered at the edge of every group, never quite stepping in. She saw the way Mina's ears flicked when she thought no one was looking, the way her eyes darted to the exits, always checking for a way out.
Scene 1: The Village Cat Mom's Lesson
That evening, the crew gathered at Mama Patch's porch. Mina sat apart, pretending not to listen.
Mama Patch:
"Funny thing about personality, kittens. Sometimes what you see isn't what's really there. Sometimes, it's just a mask—a shield to keep the world from seeing how scared or lonely someone feels inside."
She looked right at Mina, her gaze gentle.
Mama Patch:
"Some cats wear their distance like armor. Not because they want to push you away, but because they're afraid you'll see the real them and turn away first."
Scene 2: The Truth About Distance
Barbara decided to approach Mina, sitting beside her on the porch's edge.
Barbara:
"You know, I used to think I didn't like certain cats, too. But then I realized—I wasn't seeing them. I was just seeing their shield."
Mina looked away, her voice barely a whisper.
Mina:
"It's easier to keep people out than to let them in and get hurt. I've moved so many times, I stopped trying to fit in. I just… survive."
Barbara nodded, understanding blooming between them.
Barbara:
"Surviving is brave. But you don't have to do it alone. Sometimes, the thing we call 'personality' is just a distant LED—a warning light, not the whole story."
Scene 3: The Crew's Reflection
Back with the others, Barbara shared what she'd learned.
Barbara:
"We all have moments when we feel like outsiders. Sometimes, the ones who seem the coldest are just the ones who've been left out the most."
Mama Patch added her wisdom.
Mama Patch:
"Don't judge a cat by her cover, kittens. If someone seems hard to like, ask yourself if you're really seeing them—or just their shield."
Sleepy Sal, ever thoughtful, chimed in.
Sleepy Sal:
"When I'm tired, I get grumpy. Doesn't mean that's who I am. Just means I'm carrying something heavy."
Sneezy Lila nodded, her eyes soft.
Sneezy Lila:
"Maybe we should try to make Mina feel welcome. She might surprise us."
Scene 4: Breaking Down the Walls
The next day, the crew invited Mina to join their game. She hesitated, then slowly stepped forward. At first, her movements were stiff, her answers short. But as the game went on, her laughter—tentative at first—grew warmer, more genuine.
By sunset, Mina was chasing shadows with the others, her distant LED dimming as her true self began to shine through.
Barbara watched, her heart full.
Barbara (voiceover):
"It's easy to misjudge someone when all you see is their armor. But when you offer kindness, when you make space for someone to be themselves, you might find a friend where you least expected."
Scene 5: The Lesson
That night, Mama Patch gathered everyone for one last story.
Mama Patch:
"We're all looking at the same moon, kittens. But we each see it from a different place. If you never talk, you'll never know what the whole moon looks like. So be gentle with each other. Let people show you who they are, not just who they feel they have to be."
Rights Recap Song
🎶
Sometimes a shield is just a sign
That someone's scared to cross the line.
Don't judge too quick, don't turn away,
Kindness can bring a brighter day.
We're all looking up at the same old moon,
Hoping for friendship, wishing for room.
Cartel Cats know, and now so do you:
See past the shield, let the real shine through.
🎶