Maya the cat

Maya dwelt for many years with another cat, who was more venturesome and aggressive. She seemed okay with this, in general, and gained a reputation as passive, and disinterested either in exploring the outdoors, or testing the limits of human patience.

But when her companion expired, after a due period of mourning, Maya became another cat. These days she tyrannizes the voles of the yard, and even (now and again) tests the resilience of the squirrels. She is also much more interested in the countertops, and what might be upon them when the humans are looking elsewhere.

Here she is, preparing to strike: