The Great Balcony Inspection

 Spring was coming. I could smell it. The air had a new scent—fresh, earthy, full of adventure. Birds were singing their annoyingly happy songs. The sun shone longer. This could only mean one thing…

It was time for The Great Balcony Inspection.

I marched to the balcony door, tail high, and meowed. My human, slow as always, finally got the message and opened it. I stepped out, ears perked, sniffing the breeze. My kingdom awaited!

First, the railing. I jumped up and sniffed. Hmm. Slightly dusty. My paw pads left perfect little prints. Noted: balcony maintenance had been neglected this winter.

Next, the plant pots. I shoved my nose into one. Empty. Another? Dead leaves. I dug at the dirt—no cat grass yet. Unacceptable. My human must be reminded of her duties.

Spurka strolled out, blinking at the sunlight. "Why are you sniffing everything like a detective?"

"This is my kingdom, and I must ensure it’s in top shape for spring," I declared.

Spurka flicked her tail. "You’re just being nosy."

I ignored her. Serious cat work was happening.

Then, I heard it. A rustle. A movement from above. My fur fluffed up. Enemy? Intruder? I crouched low, eyes sharp, tail twitching. Spurka followed my gaze—

And there, on the neighbor’s balcony, sat… A pigeon.

It stared at me. I stared at it. A silent challenge.

I chirped. It cooed. I wiggled, preparing to launch into battle—

And then—

"GRYZKA, NO!" my human yelled, grabbing me mid-pounce.

Betrayal! Injustice! I flailed dramatically as she carried me inside. "Unhand me, woman! The kingdom is at risk!"

The balcony door shut. I pressed my nose against it, watching as the pigeon flapped away, victorious.

Spurka stretched lazily. "So… great inspection?"

I sighed. "It was going so well."

But tomorrow, I would return. The Great Balcony Inspection was far from over.