This is a scene from life. From left to right in the group: Franny, Nelly, Zuzu, Harpo and Booboo are all riveted by the conversation happening on top of the cage. (Probably Smokey telling Dixie—five years younger, five pounds heavier—I am the alpha and don’t you forget it.) Miranda always knew what was most important; the cats’ squabbles were no concern of hers.

I didn’t date the picture. But it had to have been done between the end of July 2003—when I adopted Nelly—and the end of January 2004—when I bought Xena.

Chapter Two

For years and years the picture hung uneventfully in my living room, just over the rat cage. Then I started keeping a spare igloo up there—and the rats adopted a new penthouse, with bedding conveniently at hand.

I couldn’t do anything about the faded paint. But after a stint in the hospital, the picture has been restored—to a location twelve inches higher up on the wall.