Self Defeating Rescue

The scream assaults my ears, rips open my heart. I catch Petunia, fat cat hunter, and snatch the baby bunny from her mouth. Strong and determined, she jumps free, goes after her prey. Repeatedly, I force Petunia's jaws open to release the terrified bunny. On the third try, my grip holds. Baby bunny flees toward the distant tree line, tiny legs pumping like mechanical pistons. Petunia sulks, tail switching in anger. I breathe a sigh of relief. "He'll come back," hubby says, smiling, "when he's grown, and eat your flowers."