Loki taunted me with his needy demands for play and attention, sticking it to me with paws full of claws each time I failed to respond properly.

And when I turned away in a feeble attempt to protect myself?

He paused, front legs perched upon my legs and within easy striking distance of my whole self.

Birds flitting about the patio caught his attention, drew his devilish stare, broke his mischievous attacks.

I was thankful.