Manifesto: Canada Cat by Bassam Imam - HTML preview

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WELCOME TO PEACEVILLE, BC!

I was relieved to see the Peaceville sign. However, I began to notice that Corey was a bit agitated. Another thing he was making figure eights through my legs; rubbing his ribs and the side of his face against me. I understood that this was expected behaviour from a cat but Corey was going to excess. Initially, I figured it was a matter of nerves. I mean, we were performing an incredible feat.

After bracing ourselves Corey and I entered Peaceville. I had high hopes and expectations of finding Cynthia. I can’t say the same for Corey. He now appeared more agitated then before.

“Corey, what’s wrong? Are you in pain? Please ... I’m your father!”
“Dad, I must keep quiet about this issue for now. You’ll find out what I’m apprehensive about. Just be patient and keep walking.”
Corey and I continued walking through the center of town passing by a man and/or a woman every few seconds. The people were friendly, giving us a big smile and saying something comforting to us. It was a town that I wouldn’t have minded living in but we had to solve the ‘Cynthia problem’.
As we continued our walk through the center of town I couldn’t help but notice the incredible architecture of the buildings and homes. I’m not comparing it to the castle. This particular town looked like a giant ‘LEAVE IT TO BEAVER TOWN’. It was like something out of 1950s Canada and America.
The folks in this town wore nice, conservative clothing, were very friendly, easy-going, and really cared about their neighbours and anyone else that they saw. It was too good to be true.
After strolling through the area for twenty minutes we decided to inquire about Cynthia’s whereabouts. Luckily, there was a knowledgeable person up ahead.
Corey and I spotted an elderly woman, kind of like ‘Ma’ in the oldies television show ‘MA AND PA KETTLE’ but without the southern accent. This woman sounded like a regular North American woman, but a lot friendlier and older.
She was wearing a beautiful blue, green and white coloured dress that reached the mid-point of her shins, a pink and white chequered shirt, gray shoes, and a smile as big as the moon.
“Excuse me madam, my son and I are desperately trying to find two close friends of ours. A beautiful woman named Cynthia Corbett and her beloved feline daughter Alexa.”
“Oh ... you must be talking about the bride! Go straight for one block, and then turn right just past Sam’s Diner. You’ll see a big crowd of people watching the big wedding. I think you’ll ‘see’ for yourself what you’re looking for. But honey, I have a feeling you’re going to be bummed out when you leave Peaceville. Have a beautiful day!”
I wasn’t quite sure what the elderly woman meant by her ‘bummed out’ routine. But I was almost certain that Corey did. He looked extremely apprehensive and anxious.
We followed the elderly woman’s instructions to the letter. A short while later we found ourselves approaching a large crowd of happy people. I felt my blood pressure and pulse rise significantly. My mind had defined something as being very disturbing before I could even encode it. Woe and behold! It was a marriage ceremony. The groom was a tall, handsome man with an athletic-muscular build. He was dressed well and composed himself with strength and confidence. This guy could have any woman on Earth.
The bride was none other than the most beautiful woman that I’d ever seen! It was none other than Cynthia Corbett!
And to make matters worse Corey and I arrived right before the kiss between the bride and groom. Then, we saw one of the longest lip locks ever. After they pulled away from each other Cynthia smiled at her new-found husband. Thankfully, in all the fuss she didn’t see either of us. But it wasn’t over yet. Next was Cynthia’s MARRIAGE MANIFESTO:

MY BELOVED FRIENDS FROM PEACEVILLE, BRITISH COLUMBIA! I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR BEING SO FRIENDLY AND HOSPITABLE! YOU HAVE GIVEN ME A PLACE TO STAY! FREE ROOM AND BOARD FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! A PLACE I CAN CALL HOME! TRUE PURPOSE IN MY LIFE! SECURITY IN MY LIFE! HAPPINESS IN MY LIFE! THE END OF PAIN, AGONY, TORMENT, FEAR, AND CONFUSION IN MY LIFE! AND BEST OF ALLTHE BEST HUSBAND IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE! I HAVE DISAVOWED MY PREVIOUS LIFE IN MY OTHER DIMENSIONS! YOU SHOULD’VE SEEN MY FORMER FIANCE! THAT GUY COULD NEVER COMPARE WITH WILLIAM MY REAL HUSBAND! WILLIAM IS MUCH BETTER LOOKING, NICER, AND MORE INTELLIGENT THAN MY FORMER FIANCE’! I DON’T WANT TO SEE THAT LOSER AGAIN ... EVER! BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! HIS SON THINKS THAT HE’S A SUPERHERO! A CAT WHO BARELY WEIGHS MORE THAN A FEW POUNDS! HE’S JUST LIKE HIS FATHER ... A NOBODY!”

“Dad, please don’t take what she said personally. I think that Cynthia’s finally lost it. I noticed drastic change in her behaviour. Please, let’s go back to Montreal! We don’t belong in this town, or in this dimension!”

My son was right about Cynthia’s state of mind, and our not being in the right town or dimension.
Corey and I couldn’t take any more of that garbage. So we turned and then walked away. Before we turned around the corner I took one last look at Cynthia. Shockingly, she was looking right at me. She gave me a very wicked smile. I turned away and then continued to walk with my son.
Believe me, I wasn’t bummed out. I’d realized before-hand that Cynthia wasn’t the woman of my dreams. Maybe my infatuation with Cynthia was something that occurred as a result of my desperation. I was desperate to find my biological son. She may have been a substitute. Who knows?
As we continued to walk I wondered what Jeff would think of all of this. He’d probably love the new Cynthia.
Corey’s behaviour had changed too. I kept quiet for the time being. I intended to wait until we entered the castle; we’d be alone together for a long father and son talk.
As soon as we spotted the white cloud excitement ran through our bodies. We sped up our pace and then entered the cloud without worry or apprehension. Afterwards, we entered the doorway together.
Upon reaching the hallway Corey and I decided to walk down the hall and then turned left to the nearest game room. It wasn’t long before we arrived there.
I fixed us a burger, fries, and drink each. I made certain to put full garnish on each burger. Corey was like his father in that regard.
As soon as the food and drinks were on the counter Corey and I put ketchup on our burgers and on our fries. We each took a straw from a straw holder on our table, removed the wrapping, and then shoved the bare straw into the hole in the lid.
“Corey, dig in! I’m sure you’ll enjoy my cooking. All’s good I hope!”
Corey and I didn’t talk much during the meal. We were like lions feasting on a wildebeest kill. No talking or playing around; only serious business.
Corey, what exactly do you want us to do? I wasn’t sure if you spoke out of anger or if you really did want to return to Montreal. I think that Montreal would be the easiest place to live in for now, that is. Familiarity is very important when deciding where to live.
After our delicious trio I brought over two gargantuan slices of pecan pie. We savoured every single bite of that delicious pie!
After finishing our meal Corey and I went to the restroom to wash up and then dry off. By the time we were done grogginess had hit both of us.
Without saying a word to each other we went straight to the closest bedroom, entered it, and then crashed out like babies. I don’t know about Corey’s sleep but mine was so deep I don’t remember any of my dreams.
We must’ve slept for fourteen hours. Corey and I awakened refreshed and feeling strong.
“Corey, there are two separate restrooms down the hallway. Each restroom has its own shower.”
That was enough of a cue for Corey. We walked down the hallway and chose a restroom to enter. We were able to take a long shower uninterrupted.
After showering Corey and I decided to return to the game room and have a long talk without any interruptions like food or drinks.
We returned to the game room, choosing a large brown sofa to rest on. Like a father and his little child, I lied down on my back and gently placed Corey on my chest. I figured if we were both relaxed the conversation would go smoothly. CANADA CAT

“Corey, I’m very proud of you! You are the best son in the whole world! I know that we’ve had a few skirmishes, but that’s normal. I want to talk to you about your newfound duties as a superhero.

When we return to Montreal chances are no one will know your true identity. They may be aware of a CANADA CAT who fights for good and justice, but won’t know his true identity. Corey, I think this is the best way to go about it. This is better for our own safety.

If your enemies don’t know your true identity they won’t be able to attack you while you’re Corey Jameson. Besides, it’ll be healthier for your ego. You certainly don’t want to become a show off. Show offs always get it in the end.

As a defender of good and a fighter against evil you’ll have many weak enemies, less medium-strong ones and an elite group of hardcore criminals. Although their numbers will be relatively small they’re extremely formidable and will certainly be a giant thorn to you and me.

Corey, I think it best that we forget Cynthia and Alexa. We don’t need to ponder about the past. Cynthia has chosen her new life without us. We must now do the same. I think it was better this way. You and I are true blood kin. In addition, we share a history on Planet X.

You should never conceal your true identity to anyone regardless of how close you get to him/her. Even if she’s your future wife! You just can’t tell!

I made you a promise about playing ball. I apologize sincerely ... you’ll have to accept a rain check. As you are well-aware, the circumstances leading up to our presence in this particular place were unusual, even bizarre.”

“Dad, as CANADA CAT can I find you a replacement for

Cynthia? I mean, dad, can I find you a wife?”
“Corey, don’t worry about me? I can find my own wife. Your
paws will be full with the duties of a superhero. As your
father, I should be offering you help not the other way around.” Corey cupped my face with his paws and then proceeded to
kiss my face and rub the side of his head against my face. He
was trying to mark me. It worked.
As we were conversing a sudden feeling of extreme
drowsiness overcame us. Within a few seconds we were out cold. I
guess we must’ve been out for quite a few hours.
Upon awakening Corey and I noticed three articles on a
table beside us. In addition, we were no longer in the game
room. Very strange considering neither of us remembers leaving
the game room.
We were in a bedroom. We were sleeping on a large bed,
considerably larger than a king sized bed; perhaps three times
as large.
Corey and I got out of bed and headed straight for the
table. When I got there I asked Corey to leap onto the top of
the table. Like a leopard leaping onto a tree, Corey looked
fabulous.
“Corey, look! This is a medallion with the letter ‘C’
pasted on it. Hold still while I secure it to your collar. Thanks for not moving, Corey. The ‘C’ stands for Canada
Cat. Now, I’ll put this eye mask and cape on you.”
Corey stood still again. Thankfully, his outfit was easy to
put on.
Corey now looked like a real superhero! The letter ‘C’ an
eye mask and a cape. Who brought us to the bedroom? Where did
the outfit come from? How did the person/s know that Corey was a
superhero?”
We had no answer! I guess whatever or whoever placed those
three important articles on the table was telling us that Corey
was now officially CANADA CAT. He was now a legitimate and
recognized superhero.
“Corey, please take off the eye mask and the cape.
Afterwards, I want you to wrinkle it up and then put it in your
collar pouch.”
“But dad, won’t it wrinkle up for good?”
“No Corey, it certainly won’t. Wrinkle it up right now!” Corey removed the eye mask and the cape. After Corey took a
deep breath he wrinkled the eye mask and the cap. Then he placed
both articles on the table. Lo and behold, both articles
unwrinkled themselves!
Corey was meant to be a superhero, plain and simple.
However, I had vague suspicions that our scientists on Planet X
had a hand in this.
“Corey, we’re done here. Let’s leave the castle
immediately! We can come back sometime in the future when our
situation improves.”
“Dad, you’re absolutely right! Let’s go!”
Corey and I exited the bedroom confident that there was
much good to be done out in the real world. We continued walking
through the hallway until we came across a sign reading 15TH
FLOOR. We had to descend to the ground floor. Not wanting to
take any chances with the elevators, we walked to the exit and
then proceeded to take the steps to the ground floor. By the time we arrived on the ground floor we entered the
hallway from the stairwell and then scanned the area left to
right.
After feeling that the coast was clear we walked over to
the castle exit. We stood in front of the giant door for a
minute. We were in awe! Everything from the interior to the
exterior of the castle was built by experts. No doubt there were
many hard working individuals from various fields building this
place.
Corey and I opened the giant door and then left the castle.
We closed the giant door behind us and then began our trek
through the foggy trail.
“Corey we need to brace ourselves. Although we’re going
back to Montreal we don’t know what the particular circumstances
will be like. Just hope for the best. Also, we must stay
together. If anything goes terribly wrong, like say ... we end
up in the dinosaur era, we should immediately return to the fog
and then enter it a minimum distance is certainly required. We
need to re-enter the castle. There, we’ll determine what to do. But let’s not think of the worst case scenario. We’re going
back home!
Corey and I continued walking on the path until we reached
the edge of the fog. After we braced ourselves for a moment we
entered Montreal together.
Thankfully, the basic architecture was the same. In fact,
we were in the same part of the city also. We scanned the area
and found nobody within sight.
Corey and I decided to walk to Lionel Groulx Metro Station
and take the eastbound train to the last line; Honoure’
Beaugrand Metro Station. It would take us nearly twenty stops to
get there. We wanted a change of atmosphere.
As we walked towards the Metro I noticed that things
appeared peaceful. Sure, there were cars on Atwater Street but
nobody was afraid of a beam. Chances are nobody in the entire
city had ever heard of a beam. That’s good news!
“Corey, just for today, you can suck on your paw in public.
I figure we’ve been through so much and it’s our first day here.
What do you say about that?”
“Dad, I love you!”
“Corey, I love you too!”
Corey shoved his paw deep into his mouth and then began to
suck. He looked like a little baby boy. As we entered Lionel
Groulx Metro Station passersby would smile at Corey. They
thought he was the cutest thing in town; so did I.
But a superhero could never suck on his thumb or paw in
public. Imagine Superman or Batman doing that. They’d become the
laughing stalks of the city. Their enemies would become more
confident of victory. No criminal would ever respect Corey. We descended to the stalls, and then I pulled out my metro
pass from my shoulder bag. After getting a firm grip on my metro
pass I placed it face down as the drawing indicated. I heard a
beeping sound and saw a quick flashing of light. We entered
through the bar and then headed to the Honoure Beaugrand Train
waiting area.
As soon as Corey and I arrived to the waiting area the
train came. When the double doors opened we entered and then sat
down together.
As the train drove off we became groggier and groggier the
farther we went. In longer distances the movement and sound of
the train cause an identical response in many passengers. As soon as we arrived at our destination we exited the
train, then the metro station.
After scanning the area Corey and I decided to walk due
east through a nice residential neighbourhood.
We walked several blocks before Corey pulled on my pant
leg. He heard something that was troubling him.
“Dad, a kitty’s in trouble! She’s stuck somewhere and can’t
get out! I need to zoom in on the location of her voice. Then,
I’ll do my best to help her.”
Corey’s ears cropped up, and then he pointed east. I told
him to scan the area with me. If there were no witnesses in
sight, he should put on his CANADA CAT outfit and zoom to the
emergency with lightening speed.
In a flash, Corey was gone! I ran after him as fast as I
could. I was curious about what was happening.
As soon as I got to within sight of the emergency I saw
Corey carefully lift a truck over his head with his right
foreleg and extend his left one to a helpless kitten. But not
before the kitten pronounced her final MANIFEST:

“MEOW! MEOW! MEOW! MOMMY! MOMMY! MOMMY! MOMMA! MOMMA! MOMMA! MUM! MUM! MUM! MUMMY! MUMMY! MUMMY!”

As soon as Corey got a firm grip on the kitten he gently placed her on the ground out of harm’s way then he carefully lowered the truck. Indeed, it was a sight to see!

I made certain to stay out of the visual field of the kitten. I didn’t want her to see me with CANADA CAT.
“CANADA CAT thanks a lot! How can I ever pay you?”
“Kitty, you can do so by never getting stuck underneath a vehicle again. Also, don’t take any chances when it comes to your health and well-being. I mean, what would’ve happened if I wasn’t here? Who would’ve helped you? This truck weighs a lot more than several full-grown men could ever lift together.”
“Thank you CANADA CAT! Wait, can I tell the local newspapers about your heroic deed?”
“Indeed you can!”
Corey said goodbye and then zoomed to my location. I was standing behind a large hedge. I scanned the area just in case. Thankfully, there were no witnesses to Corey’s incredible feat of strength other than the three of us.
“Corey, we need to get out of this neighbourhood immediately! The last thing we need is a news crew or the MPD in this area.”
“Dad, let’s walk southward to Hochelaga Street. When we arrive there we’ll turn right, due west. I think we should walk at a brisk rate until we’re three or four metro stops west of our current position. I have a feeling that the kitten I saved will tell her owners about what transpired. They, in turn will call the Montreal Gazette and the MPD.”
“Corey, as I told you! CANADA CAT is known in this city, and no doubt all of Canada, but his true identity is unknown. This is better for both of us. Imagine if that kitten had known your name. We’d be swarmed by people. Just walking down the street would be an ordeal.”
“Dad, as soon as we’re out of this area we should enter a Metro Station and then head straight home. We could grab some groceries or take-out food on the way, but that’s it. I don’t know about you but I want to eat a nice meal and relax in front of a giant screen television set.”
“Son, you and I have a lot in common. How about we stop over at Tim Horton’s too? We can get a dozen muffins or some other sweets. Then, we can go to Jean Coutu and get a couple boxes of Fig Newton’s. How does that sound to you?”
“Excellent as long as we get the other foods that we normally eat.”
Corey and I continued walking due west block after block. We ended up walking several miles before walking north to Sherbrooke Avenue. Once there we took a left, continuing westward. We were so happy to be together that we ended up walking all the way to our home; which happened to be in Westmount.
Overall, I think that things have worked for the better. Cynthia and Alexa weren’t meant to be part of our lives for long.
As the days passed Corey and I came to realize that having two more persons; a mother and a ‘kitten daughter’, would’ve hampered our ability to protect our beloved city, province, country, and the whole world for that matter.
It was a regular occurrence for Corey to help someone in need; either a natural emergency or a victimized person. As more time passed we began to notice something very ominous. We discovered that a Montreal Boss was controlling much of big crime in the city. This Montreal Boss goes by the name Jeff.

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