Christmas Away (As Told By Noel, The Cat)

A 3,500-word holiday short story. Noel, a calico cat who was almost born on Christmas, runs a gift and craft shop, Calico Country, with her human friend Lynn. It's almost Christmas, and Noel observes as Lynn decides to break up with Jim because of his failure to open up about himself, and his criticism when she fails to remember a company Christmas party. Lynn, who admits she's disorganized and forgetful in her private life, takes Noel to a mountain cabin to celebrate the holiday. Jim follows in a snowstorm. Snowbound on your birthday with two humans who have a relationship to sort out is no easy road, but it is one that Noel travels with delightful insights and humor.