Interview With a Goldfish

I'm the most unlikely one to interview a goldfish but we've lived in the same house for a few years. It's really hard to tell, but I think I've seen her tears. I wonder what she'd want if she had only one wish. There's one way to discover what her reply would be so, I guess I'll see if she can communicate with me. I slowly walked to the table where her bowl sat, hoping she didn't fear me. Ya know... since I'm a 'c a t.' "Ummm... hello. I've heard our lady call you, Ariel. That's not exactly a unique name but seems to fit you. Do you understand feline? I'm not sure that you do. But I'll try to talk with you, in case you are bilingual." She swam out of the castle door where I've seen her hide. Right up to the glass she came, her face was magnified. Of course, she couldn't speak but I was reading her mind. It seemed that she was awfully sad about being confined. She swam in a quick circle, then faced me once again. I sat, wide-eyed watching her, wanting to be her friend. She said, "I know what you are and of you I've no fear. You've been around and never made me feel afraid. I know your name is Kitty. Sometimes she calls you, Jade. It's true that you've seen me when I've shed a tear. Sometimes I get very lonely, day after day, living all alone and miss my school and the only other home I've known. I will never have a mate and no children as my progeny. I'll never leave this little glass bowl... I will never be free." Before I could offer her a single word of empathy, she swam back into the castle. I meowed, helplessly. M'lady heard my moaning and thought I wanted feeding but what I wanted most was for Ariel to be happy. For a cat to say that about a fish must sound rather sappy. But could I make our lady know what her fish was needing? I sidled up to her, softly purring and clinging to her side. Ariel watched as if she realized we'd become allied. M'lady picked me up and asked if I wanted a roommate. I licked her hand, looked at Ariel and whispered, "Checkmate." When our lady left, I sat quietly, starring at the bowl It was like M'lady knew what I was trying to convey to her I hoped she got the message because she'd smoothed my fur and then glanced over at Ariel with a look meant to console. That night, I slept under the table and heard Ariel's bubbles. I prayed M'lady would put an end to her worries and troubles. In the morning, the door opened, and I heard a soft sound— A kitten for me, and a goldfish. For Ariel's bowl it was bound. I watched them get acquainted while the new kitty slept. Ariel and her new friend swam the whole morning away then she looked at me and shook her tail as if to say, "Thank you, Jade Kitty, I can see you're very adept at helping those in need where I have proved to be inept. I was so thrilled when I saw another fish, I could've wept. Because of you I'll never be lonely in this goldfish bowl. I'll be your friend forever. I promise with heart and soul."