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Nothing lasts forever. Life, faith, worlds or even the gorgeous empire build by a man who most knew as „Tink“. Years ago he couldn't live a better life. In his blossoming youth the cat breeding industry hoised its peak and Tink was one of those it shall thank to. As a pioneer he found himself a queen of feline beauty and proudly enjoyed every single drop of love. Every rose thrown at him, every tear of happiness shed from seeing such beautiful creations, every enthusiasm filled holler when his pagent walked on a stage. Counting them would be like counting stars on one hand.
Saddly all pillars of kindoms fall one day. The cat insanity turned out to be a fad which collapsed as soon as the newer negeration started to care about animal rights. Definitely not a bad thing to happen. So many cats who otherwise would recieve mistreatment found a happy home, new standarts of breeding resoned in healthier animals and streets without piling messed up creatures.
Not many would complain about such a great change however a few could be found. Sometimes Mr. Tinkles wanted to show his frustration however he understood what happened was for the best. He kept his victories and celebrations in his head. Every replay got more sour as the thought less of himself but more of the cats. He threw so many away with the face of disgust. When his cat won it was always only about his icon. The more the fame glitter faded the more he realized all he only ever has been was a glorified cat owner. And the more he thoguht about it the more feeling of victory slipped out of his hands. All formed into two simple questions: „Did I waste my whole life? What now?“
He sat in a relatively empty looking room which remembered some of the wildest parties around. Now stripped of most of furniture and full of cardborad boxes. Thinking about what should be the next move as he repeatedly flipped a familiar lucky penny for a little stress relief. He heard an echo of surprised gasp coming from the other room which was enough to raise his eyebrows. Few seconds after another person entered the space. It was his wife, a woman in violet dress and she looked rather appaled. Her husband turned his head towards her expecting news about some sort of dept that resurfaced.
„My dear, today the lord thought of us.“
„Now really isn't the time for a Bible lesson Maggy.“
She inconspicuously rolled her eyes trying to brush it off. „You know how you said we need something new in our life? Well… We're going to have a baby!“
Tink's eyes widened. On one hand this sentanse hit him like a brick wall and terrified to the core. On the other he agreed. Maybe starting a family would be the solution which would fill the growing holes in themselves. Maybe sharing a love for their child would make them fall in love deeper than before. He didn't know about the offsping for longer than minute yet still it's whole life flashed in front of his eyes.
„Oh… a baby… I didn't expect it.“ The shock still made him babble.
„Yes!“ Her tone shifted from excitement to slight judgement. „You aren't thinking of getting rid of it right?“
„I actually wasn't thinking about that. It's just a lot to take right now.“
She smiled once again and wrapped him in her arms. „Oh honey I knew that inside of you is still a real man!“
He still showed plenty of concern. „Maggy… How are we going to afford a child?“
The ambrace split. Magdalene's face got serious however that didn't kill her optimism.
„I already talked to my mother about it in case it would happen. She said she will give us a smaller house she owns so we can sell this flat.“
„That one in the middle of nowhere?“
„It's not the best but good for a kid. At least he or she will go outside and not watch tv all day.“ Her mind collected more and more to this topic. „I think you will have to find a real job. And the fact you stopped drinking will help us too.“
„I guess I can always be a handyman or something.“
„Exactly! Tell me how would you name it if it was a girl?“
Since he wasn't ready for this question just as the coming child he spat out the first female name that came to his mind. „Maggie?“
„But my name is Maggie!“
„Well… It's a beautiful name!“
Her face got pinker and she smiled without realizing it. „Aren't you the sweetest? If it's a boy a want to name him Isaac.“
„Sure!“ He simply agreed. So many other stuff weighted him there wasn't any wish in him to argue about something as a name.
Her voice softened. „Dear. If we are really going to settle down there is something I need to ask you.“
„What is it?“
„If we're really going to settle down could you please claim your old name? The one you had before you started to make all these cat shows. I just want to live in a normal family and our kid will apriciate that too.“
So much came through Tink's thoughts. His stage name became his own and it felt like in always has been present with him. It accompanied him through what he loved the most however since he found a new meaning of life it probably was time to say goodbye to him as if it was his lifelong best friend.
Without that many visible emotions he gushed out. „I guess Mr.Tinkles is dead.“ To which Magdalene applauded.