Welcome, friends, to my home. My name is Maurice. Why don't you come and sit for a while. You look as though you could use some rest. Allow me to tell you a story while you catch your breath. A story perhaps about my life?

    I live here, on this bridge, in what used to be a watchtower. It is of no use as a watchtower any longer, unless you like to watch the weather. The view really is spectacular, but then I happen to enjoy watching the horizon.

     You and others have asked, how it occurred that I should come to live here? And so my story begins.

     I was born here, upon the brick floor of this bridge. You see, my mother used to live here. My father I have never met. He was a weary traveler just passing through. My mother let him stay for a short while, until he was rested, and then he went on his way. I doubt that he even knows of me or that he would care. Either way, I don't let it get me down.

     Everything happens for a reason. Besides, I am more like my mother than my father in almost every way.

Now you are wondering how I know this if I have never met my father. Is that correct? Well, I make this assumption based on the things my mother told me while she was alive. I have pale skin, like she did, and I always wear white, again like she did. She always told me that my father had darker skin and wore black. Other than appearances, I know I take after my mother by nature. She taught me everything I know and so it is only natural that I live like she did.

    She taught me the skills I needed to live, you know, the basics of how to find food and how to take care of myself.

    Now I spend my days in leisure. When I'm hungry I eat. When I'm tired I sleep. I usually sit and watch the people going by. Sometimes there are families, sometimes flocks. I figure since I live in a watchtower it is my duty to watch, whether there is need for it or not. I enjoy the sunny days, and personally, I hate the rain, but everyday is pleasant any all the people I meet are as well. It's the life of a cat. Isn't it rough!