He cursed. Screamed. Wept. Pleaded. The cat was indifferent. It yawned, lifted a leg, and began licking itself.

He yanked open a drawer and rummaged until he found a pad of paper. The corners were curled and the pages dinged. He rummaged again until he found a pen. He scribbled a small mark at the bottom and was elated to find it left a mark.

He laughed, a harsh, barking sound. Certain he had found a way to beat the cat, he pushed the keyboard aside and laid the pad in its place. He set the pen at the beginning of the top line.

Nothing happened.

He screamed, focusing all his energy, willing his hand to move. His body trembled as he tried to write a simple word. He gripped his wrist with his other hand and tried to force it. Nothing.

He clenched his teeth and glared at the cat. It sat up, scratched its neck with a hind leg, jumped off the shelf and lay down on the floor. It closed its eyes and went still.

He sobbed and tried again. Sweat formed on his neck and brow, but nothing.