I was abruptly jarred out of a sound sleep by terrible screaming. At first I thought Julie was in great distress next to me. Then I thought it might be a siren close by the house.

Then I figured out what it was. One of the cats was meowing. Loudly and directly into my ear. She wanted me to pay attention to her, so I reached out and gave her skritches, which I’m sure will not enforce this negative behavior.