The Performer
This cat is the devil incarnate, Ellie! You need to get rid of him! Martha wrinkled her nose, glaring at the one-eared orange tomcat twining around her sisters ankles.
How can you say that, Martha?! Ellie gasped, horrified. Hes a living creature!
A creaturethats the word for it! Dont you think, Ellie, he gets away with too much?
As if agreeing with Martha, the cat suddenly arched his back, hissing, and crept sideways in battle mode toward the unwelcome guest.
There! See? Martha pointed triumphantly at the cat, involuntarily stepping back. What did I tell you?!
Ellie called out to her protector, Oscar, honey, stop! Its all right!
The cat looked over his shoulder at his owner and, just like that, calmed down. He brushed gently against Ellies sore leg, parking himself beside her with a look that said he was still keeping watch.
Such a troublemaker! Martha huffed, carefully walking around Oscar. And you spoil him!
Well, someone has to care for him, Ellie sighed.
Oscar had appeared in Ellies life three years back, at the darkest time she could remember. She had barely gotten through losing her husband before her only son passed away, leaving her deeply alone, aside from Martha and a couple of acquaintances. Ellie never really had friendsjust Martha. Her older sister.
Martha had always been the achiever. The age gap between the sisters was small, but their parents made it clear: Martha is the oldest! So responsible! You can count on her for anythingshe gets things done right and on time! Elliehere theyd smileis our little angel. A bright spirit, a joy to our hearts. Such a dreamer, thoughso absent-minded!
The girls grew up believing: Martha was the smart, beautiful star, and Ellie was the scatterbrain, but the favorite.
Why do they always praise you? I just dont get it! Martha would grumble when Ellie brought home a report card with good grades. Doing well in school is normal! Nothing praise-worthy about it.
But Im not as smart as you, Martha! You always get straight As. I just do okay.
Thats exactly it! Still, you get praised! Martha pouted, and Ellie would try not to make it worse by smiling too much.
Martha graduated high school at the top of her class, headed off to college, and was seldom home anymore.
Hows life, Martha? Ellie would grab a spare moment to ask her big sister about school.
Busy! Just wish there were more hours in the day.
Not enough time for your classes?
Oh, classes?! Please, Martha scoffed. No time for a personal life is what! How am I supposed to meet someone good when Im running around all the time, worrying that I cant build a career without a solid base?
Oh, Martha! That never even crossed my mind
Of course notwhat do you ever think about, little one? Martha would laugh, not noticing how her words stung. Thats grown-up stuff. Not for kids like you!
Ellie would retreat, hiding her hurt, choosing instead to be quietly glad whenever something went well for her sister. Martha was born to shine, after all.
When college ended, Martha was still single. Guys kept their distancea strong personality and sharp tongue can be intimidating, and her mothers advice to soften up went mostly unheard.
Mom, what do you want from me? To put on airs like some Jane Austen heroine, practicing my embroidery in the corner? Thats Ellies thing, not mine!
Nobodys telling you to change who you are, honey. Just be a little gentler boys like that.
Oh, Mom! You have no idea what guys want these days. Its a different world now!
Maybe it was. But thenout of nowhereit was Ellie, simple and ordinary Ellie, whom everyone had said should skip college, who brought home an engagement ring.
Meet my fiancé. This is Chris
Chris won Ellies parents over immediately. Smart, kind, promisinga television journalist just getting his start. What mattered most was he was head over heels for Ellie, the sister everyone thought of as plain and unremarkable.
Ellie had always liked fashion and sewing, so she trained as a seamstresssomething for herself and for others.
Ellie, a seamstress?! Really? Martha was unimpressed.
Im not as book-smart as you, Martha. But a cute skirt or topnow, not everyone can do that. I want folks to feel beautiful and happy in what they wear.
Oh, please! Ellie, your head is full of nonsense.
I dont know, but I think the dress I made you turned out just right.
For who?
For you! And me. And anyone. People will look at you and say, Wow, she looks great! Isnt that good?
Mmm… Someones shooting for the stars, and my sister sigh, Ellie, Ellie
Ellie never quite understood what she did wrong. Martha wore her homemade clothes with pride and never admitted to anyone who designed them. Thats a secret! shed say, basking in the quiet pride that her sisters work brought her attention.
But Chriss arrival in Ellies life hit Martha like a ton of bricks.
How?! How could the forgotten, plain, under-educated kid become engaged first? At the wedding, Martha wore a stony face while everyone else marveled at Ellies beauty in her self-made gown and Chriss obvious adoration.
Beautiful bride, handsome groom, perfect pair! May they be happy! everyone said.
That day, for the first time, a sharp, gnawing jealousy made a home in Marthas heart.
Sister has a good-looking guy? Youve got no one.
Parents watching Ellie eagerly, whispering about future grandkids? Wont happen to you. No kids on the horizon for you.
Ellies the shining star now? Thats what you getsomeone gets all, while you get nothing.
Before the wedding even ended, Martha left quietly, stewing in self-pity at home.
But when their mother came looking for her the next day, Martha was calm, in control again.
You okay, honey?
Totally fine! Nothing to fret over.
Martha got married within six months, to the first man who asked. Her husband was much older, a little bald, a little chubby, and very clever. He knew exactly what Martha wanted from a marriage.
Im willing to give you what you want. But this is a deal: you have a childmaybe two. You focus on your career, Ill provide supportnanny, housekeeper, whatever you need. I promise no affairs, so you never worry about that. I expect just one thing: absolute loyalty. No cheating. I want a well-kept house, meals, and peace at homeno drama, just calm so I can focus on my work. Got it?
Martha didnt hesitate.
Deal!
Strangely enough, the practical marriage worked. Though it lacked the warmth and affection Ellie and Chris shared, it brought Martha stability and peace of mind.
She gave her husband a son and then a daughter; both were raised mostly by their nanny. Martha had no time for hands-on parentingher dissertation, her work, and the social scene (where she continued to show off Ellies creations) kept her busy.
Ellie, meanwhile, took things slow. Through the nineties, she sewed from home, and word quietly spread among the community that her skill was second to none.
Shes incredible! Doesnt even take new clients! people whispered. Her pink dress? Yeah, thats Ellies work!
Ellies clients included plenty of influential women. She even dressed half the anchors at the local news station, never repeating an outfit, knowing what a disaster it would be if two patrons showed up to an event in the same outfit.
When her life settled, Ellie opened a small studio, soon a full-on boutique. People came to network, share gossip, or simply soak in the ambiance. Martha, ever the businesswoman, bought the sewing machines, lent her sister money, and insisted not to worry about paying her back.
Well settle up eventually, Martha said, feeling a mixture of guilt and pride as she watched Ellie build something out of nothing.
But beneath her tough exterior, Martha ached with regret. Her own children were healthy and thriving, but Ellies son, her precious boy, the one she had waited for, was born with serious health problems.
He was a sunshine child, as Martha called hima light in the family, even though he struggled every day.
You love my little Ryan more than your own kids, Ellie said one afternoon, watching her sonusually shywrap Martha in a loving hug. Hes always waiting for you
It was only half true, but Ellie clung to it anyway, desperate to believe her son was going to be okay.
Martha, understanding the weight her sister carried, helped however she could. Get to work, Ellie. You need it. Chris is always out on assignment; you barely see him. Why hole up at home?
I cant, Martha! Ryan needs me.
Youve got plenty of space at the studio. Set up a play roomhire staff. Ill handle finding a nanny. You supervise, Ryans with you, and youre happy!
Oh, Martha, what would I do without you?
Thats what sisters are for! Now, stopdont make me cry! I spent all morning on my makeupI have a meeting!
So life rolled on.
Martha kept an eye on her sister and nephew, seeking out top doctors for Ryan. He stayed frail, his heart weak, his organs never quite right.
What did I do wrong? Ellie wept, alone with Martha. Why does my boy have to suffer?
Nothing, honey. This is just lifeit throws curveballs, to see how well handle. Ryan may never be healthy, lets not kid ourselves. But we can give him happiness and peace, cant we? Family, warmth, lovethats enough for any person.
Youre right. Its enough.
Then lets do it and skip the tears! I found another neurologistsupposed to be the best! The waitlist is long as your arm, but who cares? I put Ryans name down. Well see what happens.
Marthas husband understood her commitment to her sisters family.
Wish there was something more I could do for the boy. If you need anything, just ask. Ill help.
Those understated words meant the world to Martha. By now, she knew she loved her husbandnot with the rushed passion of youth, but a steady, grown-up love, earned and real.
Time passed; parents aged, children grew, and the two sisters found themselves closer than everno old jealousy, no misunderstandings.
Who else could you share your troubles with, if not your sister?
Not that Martha was the only helper. When she told Ellie about her husbands trouble at work, Ellie nudged Chris into pulling some strings. It was a long, risky investigationEllie only learned years later how close shed come to losing Chris for good. But when the dust settled, Martha thanked her sister simply but sincerely:
You dont know what you and Chris did for me. I swear to you, Ellie: as long as Im here, you and your family will never want for anything.
She kept her word.
Martha stood by Ellie through Chriss long illness. Chris faded slowly, his wife watching over him, trying to stay strong. When he passed, Ellie howled her grief into Marthas shoulder.
Why?! He was so young!
Martha, steadfast as ever, carried her through the mourning, reminding her they still had Ryan.
And then Martha was there the day Ryans heart gave out for good. The two sisters held onto each other, no tears left, listening numbly as the doctors explained. Then they wandered the city on foot, hand in hand, not saying a word, remembering all the colors Ryan loved.
The yellow t-shirt and red sneakers
Yes
They didnt need to explainthey just wanted things exactly as Ryan would have wanted them.
After Ryans death, Ellie quickly declined. She went through the motions at the studio, mostly leaving things to her employees. More than once, Martha found her sitting at the drawing table, unable to sketch, her eyes empty and distant.
Ellie
Im alright Just need a little rest, okay? Ellie would lift her tired blue eyes.
This isnt okay! Martha wanted to cry.
Its okay now Nothing matters much anymore, Ellie answered, managing a weak smile.
Everything changed the day the cat showed up.
No one knew where he came fromthe beat-up, dirty, one-eared orange tom sitting on the stoop outside the studio. It was a busy street; stray cats werent common.
Twice the assistants tried to chase him. Scat! Go on, get!
But the cat curled up on the top step, head and paws drooping, looking for all the world like a worn-out old rag. Thats how Ellie found him when she finally arrived late that morning.
Girls, what is this? she asked, peering at the pitiful cat.
A stray, Miss Ellie! Just plopped down and wont budge!
Is it even alive? Ellie gently prodded the animal with her shoe.
With a small sigh, the cat opened one eye, stuck out his tongue, and seemed to say, Whats wrong with you people? Cant you see Im dying here? Havent had a meal in a week. No name, no history, not even a scrap of kindness!
Ellies lips curled up in the first genuine smile in months.
What an actor! she exclaimed. Girls, you see this? The performance! Okay, alright! You win. Come on in. Lets get you a meal and some affection.
She gathered up the cat, gave him a quick once-over, and shook her head. Nope! First stopthe vet. That ear doesnt look right. And youre a mess.
The cat protesting only brieflygrowling once at a painful shotallowed himself to be treated, then, after a celebratory can of chicken pâté, followed Ellie out of the vets office, tail held high.
Well, Ive never had a cat before. Hows this going to work, Oscar?
With regal indifference, Oscar stared out the car window, and Ellie smiled. I think well get along. Wonder what Martha will say?
Of course, Martha made a show of disapproving. She scolded Oscar endlessly, hiding her pleasure at seeing a spark of life in Ellie again. For the first time in ages, Ellie had someone to care fora reason to get up and put others before herself.
Ellie, the way he looks at you is strange!
Thats fine, Martha! No ones looked at me like that in years.
How?
With love.
Hes a troublemaker and hes deceiving you!
Let him! Ellie laughed. He warms my aching feet at night and watches movies with me. Watches the screen like he really understands!
Your own faultshouldve named him something normal, like Tiger or Boots. Oscar! What a name!
It matches him! Ellie giggled, and Marthas heart softened.
Her sister was smiling again. For that, Martha could forgive the cat anything.
But she only truly accepted Oscar the day she almost lost Ellie.
It was a Saturday. There were no plans to see each other, but as she was passing nearby, Martha decided to pop into the studio, just to check on her sister. Since Oscar showed up, Ellie had started working again, and her designs were once again in high demand, her latest colorful collection drawing up a fresh wait list.
Seeing the lights on, Martha let herself in. Ellie? Im here!
Without warning, a flash of orange dashed at her feet. Martha shrieked as Oscar sank his claws into her ankle, tearing her stockings.
Oscar! Have you lost your mind?!
The cat was frantic, his eyes wild. Martha shrank back, suddenly uneasy.
Hes rabid, or what?!
She grabbed a yardstick off the cutting table, ready to defend herself, when Oscar let out a sorrowful yowl and darted between Martha and the door that led to Ryans old playroomuntouched since hed been gone.
Whats in there? Wheres Ellie? Martha whispered, suddenly afraid.
She rushed through the door, forgetting the cat, and stopped short at the sight of her sister lying on the floor, clutching Ryans photo.
Ellie!
Ambulance, hospital, twenty-four hours in ICU
Martha paced the corridors, prayingno words, no proper rituals, just raw hope. Dont take her! Leave her with me! Let her live!
Later, she learned that Oscar had howled all night, his eerie, guttural cries echoing through the studio, settling only when Ellie regained consciousness.
Ellie was finally sent home after three weeks.
Martha, take me to the studio first.
Ellie, why? Let me bring that crazy furball to you!
Noplease. I need to see him.
Ellie struggled up the steps and, as soon as the studio door opened, a streak of orange whipped through the hallway, twined around her legs, and burst into such a happy purr that even Martha was moved.
Oh, Oscar!
Ellie scooped him up, softly stroking his healed ear. He called for me, Martha. I heard him. First it was him, then you. That day, before they took me to the hospital. And again, in the hospital
What do you mean, in the hospital?
I dont really know how to explain. I heard Chriss voice, then Ryans, and then the cat After that, just him, and then you again
Thats strange. Martha didnt know what else to say.
But Oscar seemed to know. He tapped Ellies chin with his paw, looked at Martha, then curled up tightly in Ellies arms, utterly content.
I think I was just approved, Martha joked. Not sure what for, but I passed
Oscar half-opened one green eye, purred even louder, pushing every shadow away and promising peace. And Ellie smiled again, making Marthas heart swell.
So, in the end, what do people truly need? Loved ones close by, and peace in your heart.
So littleand yet, so much.