Despite the low crackling of dying embers, the morning was quiet. The fire trucks had come and gone, along with the news vans, and the nosy neighbors he had to avoid.

All that was left was Frank in a bath robe, and that stupid cat.

He lifted the coffee cup to his lips. It was cold and empty but the motion was comforting.

The cat, finished with it’s bath then looked up at him expectantly, “Mow”.

The urge to kick it into the bushes washed over him, then blew away with a sigh, “We should go.”

“Mow!”

“I don’t know where.”

“Mow!”

“No this wasn’t my fault and I’m not just going to stand in the driveway all day.”

Carefully stepping over the blackened doorstep he entered what used to be a tiny living room.  In his mind’s eye he could still see the couch, the TV stand, the book shelf, and to the left were the hooks where car keys were kept. He brushed aside some chard wall pieces till he found them.

“Mow!”

She probably wanted food but there was nothing left of the kitchen. Under a piece of ceiling tile he found a metal bowl of un-burnt kibble and as soon as he reviled it the cat scooped it into her mouth like a steam shovel. Then he wondered if there was any human food left. A few cans but nothing worth the effort.

When she was done he picked up the bowl and put it in his pocket. Then went to the partially collapsed garage. A red convertible was soaked by the fire hose. He sat with a squish and the cat hopped into the passenger seat.

With the keys It started up and a little jolt of relief filled his belly. One good thing.

“Lets get out of here before they come home,” he said.

“Mow!”