THE JELLICLE CHRONICLES GOODBYE By Rio with additions by several Fans… Edited by Dennis C. Callin (Rumblepurr) A tribute to Toireasa and her Mother, Julia. A way for CATS fans to say goodbye to a very special little girl. Contact Rio or me to place your goodbye… LINK HERE for me. All Fan Entries have their CATS Name in GREEN.

IN HONOR OF TOIREASA BARRY – January 7, 1997 to April 24, 2002 at 4:13PM EDST

The Magical Cat appeared in Toireasa's bedroom, looking around for his little friend. It was all very quiet, the little bed neatly made and empty. He stared around, confused and worried. This was all wrong.

"Toireasa?" He called hesitantly. "Tess? Are you here?"

Silence was the only reply he received.

Making his way slowly across the floor, his anxiety grew. Where was she? Where had his little friend gone?

He entered a different room, a room he hadn't seen before. It was as quiet as Toireasa's empty room, even though there was a single figure sitting there. Mistoffelees recognized her as Toireasa's mother.

She was sitting in a chair, gazing down at photographs of her daughter. Tears were spilling down her face silently and Mistoffelees suddenly understood, taking an unsteady step back, shaking his head.

No.

Not Tess.

Not his magical little Princess.

He was about to vanish, to go back to the Yard, to find his friends, to find someone to embrace him and tell him that it was all going to just have been a nightmare and he would wake up and everything would be fine, when he noticed something.

A little glow.

There, beside Toireasa's mother, a little sparkle remained.

A sparkle that only belonged to one person.

"Tess?"

The bright sparkle shimmered into the form of the familiar little girl he had known and smiled sadly down at him. "Hi Mistoffelees." She said, looking from him to her mother. "Did you come to visit me?"

"I-I did, Tess."

She nodded. "I stayed with mom. She was upset." She reached over to touch her mother, but her small hand didn't – couldn't – come in contact with her mother's skin.

"I know." The black cat replied softly.

"Mommy misses me." She said softly. "She can't see me anymore..." She lowered her head and Mistoffelees saw tears on her cheeks. "I miss my mom, Misto. I can't hug her anymore. I can't tell her I love her."

Mistoffelees climbed up to sit beside her. "She knows you love her, Tess." He took her hand in his. "I know she knows."

"I didn't want to leave, Misto." Tear-filled eyes looked up at him. "Why did I have to leave her?"

"I don't know why, Tess," he said honestly as gently hugged his little Princess, letting her cry into his fur. "She knows you'll always be her little Princess, you know. She still loves you as much as you love her."

She looked up at him, and then across at her mother, who was crying quietly. "Misto..." she asked softly. "Can we take my mom to the Yard to see everybody? Please? I want her to know about my friends there... maybe they can look after her, since I can't."

"I'm sure we could, Tess." He nodded, laying an unfelt paw on Toireasa's mother's hand. In a shimmer, the trio vanished from the house and into somewhere entirely different.

"Toireasa?" Old Deuteronomy was looking down at the black and white kitten who was standing beside Mistoffelees, little more than a shimmering aura. He went on one knee and held out a paw to her. "We want to give you the Jellicle Choice, this year."

"But where did my mom go?" Toireasa looked around her. "I want her to meet my friends."

Old Deuteronomy nodded. "She is meeting them, Toireasa." He replied, his deep voice shaking. "And they all want to see you." He gathered her in his arms. "We're all going to miss you, little one."

"I'm going to miss you too," she replied, hugging him back tightly. Stepping back, she let Mistoffelees take her small paw in his.

Around them, all of her friends were pressing closer, wanting to touch her and hug her. Even Tugger came down from his pipe, to lift her up in his arms and hug her. She could see tears in his eyes and smiled sadly.

"You don't have to cry," she whispered. "I don't hurt anymore."

"I know, Toireasa." The big tom said quietly, lowering her to her feet gently. Like Old Deuteronomy's voice, Tugger's voice was shaking. "But you shouldn't have gone yet. You're too young."

"Come with me, Tess." Mistoffelees said softly, taking her by the hand again. "There are some people here who want to wish you well..."

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were both sobbing as they embraced her, and then hugged each other as she was led around the circle of friends. Grizabella bent to kiss the kitten on the head, stroking her mane.

"I'll come with you, Tess," she whispered, her voice breaking. "We'll go together and we won't get lost on the way, okay?" She brushed the kitten's mane back from her face. "I'll look after you, sweetheart."

"All right." Toireasa nodded with a bright smile, looking at a small group of her friends standing a little way away. She recognized all of them, her little paw coming to her nose as she hurried over with Mistoffelees. "You came to the Yard too?"

A gold, red and white Lady-cat, called Rio, nodded. "We all had to come and say goodbye to you, Tess," she said, kneeling down and hugging the little kitten. "We're all going to miss you as well." She smiled faintly. "I won't have anyone to write special stories for now, will I?"

Toireasa returned the smile. "You could keep writing them." She said softly. "Maybe I'll be able to read them from the Heavyside Layer. I'm going to watch out for my mom, when I get there."

"Maybe you can then." Rio nodded with a smile, taking Toireasa's other paw and led her into the group. "Tess, these people all cared for you as well." She looked around. "They care a whole lot... they all wanted to say good bye to you."

Tess turned to see a large seal point Siamese Queen waiting, a sad smile on her tear-streaked face, "It's me, Tess... I'm Bandersnatch, you know"

Toireasa looked at her "Of course I know. You're a silly cat."

"Yes I was, wasn't I? " She stooped and gathered Tess into a hug. "Look at you... I always knew you were the most beautiful Jellicle Cat, now I've seen it with my own very eyes." She whispered something in Tess' ear. "That's my third name, dearheart... don't forget it, OK? Or how much I love you..." She led Toireasa towards another Jellicle. “This a good friend of mine, Tess... I always wanted to introduce you to him...”

A mostly white cat came out, his mane and back and legs a brown and orange tiger striping. He wore a green vest and a funny set of eyeglasses on his nose. And around his right eye, he had an orange spot and, he had in his paws a large book, and the title of that book read, "The Jellicle Chronicles."

"Hello, my dear. You probably have not seen me much, but I have heard a great deal about you. I am Rumblepurr, and I write things about the Tribe in this book."

Toireasa looked at the book and how thick it was. "Everything?"

"Quite so, my dear. In fact, what we are doing and saying right now will go into this book."

"Why? I'm not a member of the Tribe."

"You have been a member of the Tribe since the day you were born, Lady Tess," Rumblepurr answered with a smile. "Your name will appear along with all of us."

"Really?"

As Toireasa watched, The Writer Cat took out his pen, and opened the large book. Watching over his shoulder, Toireasa saw him write her name in the book.

"There, my dear. You are now placed among the Jellicle Cats."

Toireasa put her arms around the Writer Cat's neck, and gave him a hug. He returned it gently.

"I will never have to look in here to remember you," he said. "I shall do so without needing to read this book. But now, someone else wants to meet you."

A small, black Queen with a little white star on her chest walked forward, limping, towards Toireasa. She did not have a left forepaw and she sat down when she reached the little girl.

"Tess, my dear Princess... I'm Swan. I chose the shape of my youngest queen to come here, because I know that she loves you as I do." She stopped speaking, because she knew her voice would be broken with sobs, then she stood up on her legs and passed gently her paw on Toireasa's cheek, not being able to do anything else.

Finally, she stepped back, letting other cats getting close to the Jellicle Princess.

Quietly, and a bit awkwardly, another cat crept out. She was a yellow and white mixed breed with a shaggy mass of head fur and black paws. Her black-tipped tail flicked a bit as she bent down to give Toireasa a hug and a gentle nuzzle.

"Hi, Toireasa.” She said. “We only met a couple of times. I'm Idiosylph. You told me all about having to hide candy from your dog and how you were such a wonderful big cousin, helping out your aunt. I wish I could have known you longer, like Rio and the others." Idiosylph knelt down and looked at the kitten eye-to-eye. "You take care now, you hear?"

A camouflage brown tabby peered out of a pipe. Her large brown eyes shined with both tears and hope as she waited quietly for her chance to talk to Toireasa. As the little kitten passed by her, Talis leaned out of the pipe, startling Toireasa with her appearance.

"I'm sorry, Toireasa," said Talis contritely, her ears drooping. "And I'm sorry I didn't come to see you more often. I get so busy sometimes..." Her voice trailed off. "No, that's not true, I just never know what to say." Talis rubbed her cheek against Toireasa's. "Just remember that for every friend you see, you have another friend like me, who watches and listens and loves you, and wishes they could tell you how much they care."

Toireasa nodded, squeezing Talis’ paw, looking around her. An orange and black striped cat crept shyly forward, taking Tess' small paw into her own paws and knelt down before her.

"You might not quite know who I am, but you've been in my thoughts and prayers for some time now.” The cat said softly. “I'm Tiggertailz. I feel truly blessed to see your smile. Never forget your laughter. It's what makes you feel alive." Tiggertailz gently kissed Toireasa on the cheek, "Keep smiling, little one..." She sadly pulled herself back up, letting Toireasa go.

“You’re an angel, you know, Tess.” Another voice said from behind her and she turned to find an older dark gray Tomcat standing there. He bent and touched her small paw gently. “Grizabella knew. I do too. I’m Kid and you know I’ll always be your friend.” He stroked her fluffy mane gently. “So, precious Tess... make sure you remember how unhappy Grizabella seemed at first... but became so happy later. I think that’s how good Angels EARN their wings!” Bending, he hugged her gently. “Don’t forget how much we all love you.”

Toireasa nodded, looking up at him. “I won’t forget.” She whispered. A touch on her shoulder made her turn and she was greeted by a warm hug.

“You're such a sweetheart who's touched so many lives.” Balurina said, her voice shaking. “One of my biggest wishes would be to get to know you better and hope to have even half the courage that you do. So much heart and courage inside of one so young and so small. I love you, hon, with all my heart.”

The pretty cat-lady stepped back, making way for a towering, dark red feline, with magnificent, dark wings. He approached and knelt before Toireasa. Tears filled his gray and blue eyes.

"You are an angel." Sekhet choked, starting again. "But if you're an angel, you'll want these." Sekhet motioned with his paws for Toireasa to turn around. There, beautiful wings, of an indescribably beautiful color, lay. Sekhet knelt again and kissed Toireasa's paw. "I have no authority to do more," he said. "But soon you will be with the One who has Authority to do everything." Sekhet hugged Toireasa close, then stood, shook himself, and bowed. "I do not mourn you for where you go, but I shall mourn those of us still living with only your memory. Nevertheless, I'll see you at the Heavyside. And . . ." Sekhet turned his head slightly, glancing sideways at Toireasa as a slight smile began to play around his mouth. ". . . You better not disappoint us. First thing we want to see is you smiling." Bowing out for the last time, Sekhet withdrew, saluted Toireasa, and stood, paws clasped behind his back, giving Toireasa a secret wink as a tear welled up.

“Dear Torisa i wil mis you.” Littlgriz pads in crying but she will see Toireasa in heaven. “Torisa your spechal to all of us cats fans but more importantly your important to Jesus he died fore you this weak 2ooo yers ago my sweet sis he took a strype on his back fore you i love you i wil be praying hard fore you and your momy.”

A small calico Queen with paint in her fur stepped to the front of the crowd near Littlgriz, tears filling her eyes, "Goodbye Kitten Toireasa, I will never forget you." Artisticat gives her one final hug before returning to the crowd.

A tall black Queen spotted with white stepped up to hug Toireasa. Stroking the kitten's fur gently, she whispered, "Remember your friend Lenisaren, my Jellicle Princess. You'll always be dancing in our hearts and minds—Now and Forever. I love you..." She squeezed her paw gently, smiling through her tears.

Peeking around the large group, a silver Queen with a black half moon around her left eye stepped shyly forward. “Hello, sweetheart. I’m Erasea. We’ve never actually met, but I’ve been watching over you from afar. I’ll miss you, little one, so very much,” she whispered, leaning down to give Toireasa a gentle hug. “I’ll say hello, every time I catch a sunset, or see the first star. I’ll never forget you Tess.”

As she drew back, a young Tortie Queen stepped forward. In place of a collar, this Queen wore a pair of necklaces called “friendships.” Her green eyes sparkled with a hint of tears. “I am Feliciradeya, but you can call me Feli, if you like. Your courage and strength will never cease to amaze me, Toireasa, though the reason for it saddens me. You are precious, kitten, and a true Jellicle Princess. I hope you have been having all the fun in the world with your Mommy and the rest of your family and friends. I am very glad that we Jellicles have been able to bring you happiness as well. When I settle down with a Mate and have kittens of my own, I shall tell them all about you, our Jellicle Princess, and I hope they will find strength, courage and happiness from you, as have we all.” The dark brown-black-orange Queen enfolded the Princess in a gentle hug. “I give you all my love, a lifetime of hugs, and as many tinfoil balls and grass reeds as you can chase…” She leaned in and whispered in Tess’ ear. “They’re lots of fun, believe me.” Standing back, Feli bowed slightly. “Goodbye for a little while, sweet Toireasa. Love be with you, now and forever.”

From the group, a slender black Queen with scarlet trim came forward and gently placed her paw on Torieasa’s shoulder. “I’m Sorelli, and I’ve never met you before, Princess. But, I have been watching you from far away. When you get to the Heavyside Layer, make sure you watch over us, too, and help us until we can come and join you.”

A small black, brown and white Queen appeared from between taller ones. Tears changing into a smile, she runs up and hugs the Kitten. “Tess, my little flower,” she said through sobs. “I wish I had the chance to write to you more. My name is Damaris.” Her green eyes looked into the Princess’ beautiful face. “You are so brave… THE bravest! I shall never forget you, my love. You have touched me deeper than I could have thought possible. The Heavyside Layer will hold such wonders for you.” She gives the Princess one last hug. “I’ll miss you, flower!” Slowly, she re-joins the group, still sobbing silently…

An orange and white kitten was next to step out. She ran up to Toireasa and gave her a hug. “Hi, Princess. I’m Reeza. Even though I’ve never met you before, I’ve always felt close to you. Please know that all of us will miss you, and I’ll always love you.”

Two lady-cats approached now. One was ginger-colored with brown stripes, while the other had fluffy black fur and gold eyes.

The black Queen, Sunshcat, embraced Tess in a warm hug, and purred softly in her ear. “I never say good-bye because our loved ones never leave us, but live in our hearts forever.”

The Ginger Cat, Jazzcat, then stroked Tess’ fur and added. “And you will always be in our thoughts. Every time we see a flower bloom or the sunrise, we will think of you. You will continue to bring us happiness.”

Then a small kitten peeked out from behind Sunshcat. He had a very silky black fur but all four paws were white. “This is my kitten,” said Sunshcat. “He wanted to see you and say ‘hello’.” The kitten did not say a word, but crept up to Tess, and softly touched his nose to hers. As their eyes met, she felt a warm glow all over, as if he had given her a secret gift only they would know about or understand. He then smiled at her, and when she smiled back, he giggled and with a graceful leap, he jumped up and did a dance for her. He spun around on the tips of his toes, going faster and faster, until he was nothing but a blur. Then he giggled again and disappeared behind his mother.

An older Queen waited until the trio pulled back, and then she came forward. Her color shone dark gold, orange and brown, and her green eyes sparkled. “For such a tiny, brave, cute little girl, you inspired and brought so many people together in love… and I’ll never forget that sweet little face that glowed with love in spite of the pain.” Carmelcat knelt down, and gently gathered Toireasa into a hug. “You will always be in my heart forever. I love you so much, Sweetie.” After one last hug, Carmelcat stepped back into the group.

From behind the tire, a petite black and silver feline came in, walking up to Toireasa and kissing her cheek. “I’m Munkima,” she told Tess. “I’ve watched you, and you are the brightest light in the city. I will always keep you in my heart, my dear Tess.”

A silver-white tabby Queen came out from the group and knelt down before Toireasa. “Hello, Tess. I’m Aurora. I want to thank you for being a rock in our Tribe. Tess, you are an inspiration to all of us and the Heaviside Layer will be lucky to have you dancing within their presence. We love you.”

Tess gave Aurora a big hug, and brought a smile to the Queen before she drifted back to the group.

“Toireasa…” a voice echoed from the drainpipe.

A chocolate-brown head, crowned with over-sized ears, poked out of the drainpipe, bright green eyes brimming with tears. The slender cat slipped out of the pipe and went to Toireasa’s side. He smiled gently.

“Hey, Princess. D’you know me?” His smile saddened. “Probably not. We never spoke, did we? I’m sorry for that.” Pain shown in his eyes.

“I’m Pascal. Just another face in the Junkyard. But I wanted to let you know that I love you, and I’m going to miss you, sweetheart…”

He stepped forward and brushed his whiskers lightly against Toireasa’s cheek, and then retreated back into the darkness of the drainpipe, his voice fading behind him.

“I’ll always sing to your star, Princess… always…”

A dainty calico kitten, who had been hesitating in the midst of the crowd, stepped forward. She ran towards Toireasa and looked into her face, misty-eyed. “Dear sweet Jellicle Princess, my name is Sylvani. I know I, too, am a stranger to you, but you have been in my thoughts and I will always keep you in my heart. The Heavyside Layer is a wondrous place filled with happiness and, from there, you will be able to watch your family and loved ones. Though they may not see you, they will feel your love and strength, and one day you will be together once again.” Sylvani pulled the smaller kitten into a warm embrace. “I’ll never forget you, Princess. I love you so much.” She nuzzled Toireasa’s fur, and then retreated back into the group.

A large white and gray patched cat stepped out from behind the car. “Toireasa, I unformtunately have not had the chance to speak to you until now. My name is Purrcival and I want to tell you that you have been a very brave and courageous little Jellicle. The Tribe will miss you deeply once you have gone. I know that you don’t want to leave us, but we will all see you again when it is our time to go to the Heavyside Layer.”

Purrcival, with tears in his eyes, reached out a paw and touched Toireasa’s cheek gently. Smiling, he then stepped back with the rest of the Jellicles.

A young Princess came out then, her gold body with darker gold tabby stripes glistening in the light. “Hi, Tess. My name is Ekatarina and I want you how brave you are and how proud the whole Tribe is of you. I admire you, Tess. Always remember that we love you and you will always be remembered at the Jellicle Ball, Tess. We will always be a part of you. And someday, we will all meet again with the Everlasting Cat and dance together. Safe journey, little one.”

The large baby kitten, Pouncival, looked over the heads of the other kits. He looked to a sight that glowed with a radiance and shine that reminded him of the time he tried to see what the sun looked like.

At the center of the beautiful light was a beautiful princess.

So beautiful was this little Princess that even Pouncival had to stop and hold his breath for a moment.

Slowly he nudged his way to the front of the Tribe, despite all the adults’ attempts to stop him. When he finally got there, he is struck once again by the stunning creature before him. He knows that he has never seen her before, as he could never forget such beauty.

Full of youthful ignorance, Pounce slowly walked up and curled up next to the Princess and fell asleep, contented and happy for this one precious moment, and to have met such a royal soul.

A cat of dusty golden fur, which shimmered tigerlike-orange in the street lamp light, riddled with dark chocolate stripes, crept from the shadows and knelt next to Tess. Emerald eyes shimmered behind tears as she stroked the young kitten's glowing cheek.

"Hello Tess. My name is Taltrumble. You may not have known me, but I know you. No cat here can hide from that shining spirit. You put your heart and soul into all you did, and your courage has touched so many others."

Taltrumble leaned forward and gently brushed her whiskers on Tess' head, making her giggle. She smiled at the kitten. "Keep that beautiful laugh, and that beautiful heart. Take care." With that, she slid back into the shadows, waving back at the sweet little kitten.

A red cat with a white chest walked towards the Princess and smiled.

“Hi, sweetie, I’m Janna, but that’s just my first name. Some day I’ll have a second and a third name too, but right now I don’t know what they are.” The young cat smacked herself in the head. “That’s not what I’m supposed to talk about now.” The Jellicle hugged the little Princess and cried. “I’ll miss you so much, but I’ll never forget you. I’ll tell every Human I know about you. I can just say, good luck, Angel. We will all come to the Heaviside one day. Promise to wait for me then.”

Tess nodded. “I will.”

A small, dark calico Queen had been debating whether or not to say something since Tess had arrived. Finally, she made her way through the crowd, and towards the Princess. Kneeling beside her, she smiled. "Hi, Toireasa.. I'm Boston. I never really approached you, because I never knew what to say. It's something I regret very much now." She brushed tears from her sparkling blue eyes, and took the little paw in her own. "You touched me so much, and I would have liked to know you as well as these Cats did. I'm sorry I never told you I loved you before."

Boston didn't want to leave Tess with just a few simple words, so very slowly, she pulled her charm bracelet off of her arm and handed it to the kitten. "It's always brought me good luck. The heart for love was always my favorite charm.. but you're loved by so many, I'm sure you don't need a little trinket to remind you. Either way, I'd like you to have this, so that you can look at it and remember just how many of our hearts you captured." A crooked little smile crept over her face as she kissed Tess' brow. Her fur crackled once with emotional static as she broke the embrace, and stepped away.

A small calico Queen had been watching from a corner of the Yard. As her friend, Boston, turned to leave, she spoke up. "I'm Cocoprimm. I didn't know you very well, but Boston told me your story. I just wanted to tell you that you're very brave, and I admire you. I wish I had as many friends as you.." She looked confused for a moment, then shrugged and smiled through her tears. "Don't forget about us up there, in the Heaviside, okay, Princess Tess?" She padded over to nuzzle the kitten awkwardly, then ducked her head and moved to stand with the group again.

A gray Queen stepped forward, a sad smile on her face. "You don't know me, Toireasa, but I know you. My name is Cassiopia, and I prayed for you and kept you in my thoughts. I thought about you when I danced and sang, and I'm going to miss you. Enjoy the Heavyside Layer, and don't forget about me, cause I won't forget about you. See you in the Heavyside."

A middle-aged grey queen crept out from under the car, closely followed by a gawky adolescent orange tabby tom. They padded up to Toireasa and Julia, rubbing noses in greeting.

“Tess,” the gray cat said, gently touching a paw to the girl's kitten-nose, “I'm JelliclePat. And this...” she gestured to the Tom by her side, who was rubbing his cheek sadly with one paw “...is my son, Marmelith.”

JelliclePat was startled when Tess flung her furry arms around her neck, and then reached out to touch Marmelith's paw.

“Thank you for coming to see me off,” Tess whispered.

JelliclePat sniffed back her tears as Marmelith pressed his cheek against Tess'. “You're a very brave little lady, Tessa,” he said. “You'll always have a special place in my heart.”

“And in mine, dearest Princess,” added JelliclePat. She sat back, Marmelith by her side.

“Go, Go, Go, Toireasa!” They whispered, smiling warmly as Tess turned to greet the next cats to come forward.

Silently, a tall, white- and beige young Queen with stars spotted here and there over her body walked over to Toireasa. She knelt down and stroked the kitten's chin.

"Hi, Toireasa, my name is Celeteez. I don't think you know me, but I know you, I've been watching you from far away as many others" she said, with tears in her eyes. With her other paw she wiped them away and started to smile when she saw the kitten's glowing eyes. "There is one thing I deeply regret in my life, and that is that I never wrote to you. I'm very sorry for that, and I'm glad I got this chance to say goodbye. But I've heard so many things about you, things telling me and the world how wonderful you are! Things making me regret even more that I didn't know you better. You are the sunshine, and you will shine on forever." She gave Toireasa a big hug, and after burying her nose in her fur and whispering "I will always love you, Princess. I will never forget you!"

She let her go. Slowly she rose, smiling at the kitten. Once again she whispered. "We will always love you, honey. Always." Tears started to drip from her eyes, and still smiling at the young kitten she retreated into the group of Jellicles.

A tall young Queen stands by the fringe of the group. Normally, it would be just as well that Obsidia is all black, so no one should see her and witness her hesitance. The truth is, she’s a little intimidated by the awe of so many souls drawing together for this very special little girl. Despite taking a deep breath upon her approach, her voice is very quiet when she speaks, bending close, so perhaps only the kitten is close enough to hear.

“Toireasa, hun’. I don’t venture out among the Tribe as much as I sometimes should, and for it I fear I may have missed the opportunity to know such a wonderful little one like you. But, I came upon your ongoing story as told by your mother quite some time ago, and have been keeping an eye out. I don’t really ever know what to say and so, I’m afraid, have remained to the most part silent in my admiration, among that second half that Talis mentioned.”

“You are loved by so many, and your spirit and strength have touch so many. I feel humbled. Adieu jolie…”

The next one to come forward was a young kitten with black and orange fur. "Hello, Toireasa... the one and only Jellicle princess. I'm Majesta, and I'll be praying for you and your family. Have a safe flight to the Heavyside Layer, Tess..." Majesta began, but was unable to finish. Tears drowned her speech.

Then a medium sized queen, having gray fur with white markings and black stripes, stepped forward extending her ivory paw. "Hullo Tess... my name is Ansieda, we've never met before but..." her voice shook as she looked into Toireasa's beautiful, innocent eyes. "I wish we could have met before... You’re such a beautiful little kitten... I know you'll be alright in the Heavyside layer. Be good... I won't forget you." She lowered her empty eyes and held her tail nervously.

A tall black and rather fluffy cat made her way through the crowd of gathered Jellicles. She did not want to miss getting to see the littlest Princess along with her other friends. In her paws, she held a shiny gift that she wanted to bestow upon the smallest member of the Tribe.

“Dearest Princess, I heard that you would be gifting us with the honor of a visit, and I have something very special that I would like to give to you.” From the folds of a white linen cloth, the dark Queen brought forth a delicate tiara. “This, little one, is a very special crown. Only the bravest and finest of royals can wear it.”

Placing the headpiece gently on the top of Tess’ head, the Queen stepped back to admire the sight. “Truly you are the first in a thousand years to be so special. All of your friends, your family and your Jellicle Tribe think so. We are very honored that you have shared your love and gifts with us.” Saying that, the tall Queen kneeled before the Princess f the Jellicles and kissed her hand. “Thank you, my Lady, remember that Adas loves you.”

The last and most unexpected Jellicle to arrive to see the little Princess known as Toireasa was none other than Macavity. The other Jellicles watched as he approached her, waiting for something horrible to happen, but were surprised to see him lean over her and plant a tender kiss on her cheek.

“I know that I appear to be a very mean and nasty Jellicle, but I’m really not like that at all. I just act all brave and better than everyone else, but I must admit that you’re a much braver Jellicle than I could ever be.”

“I always knew you weren’t so bad,” the Little Princess said. “I just think you need to stop being so scared of making friends. The Jellicles in the Tribe will like you if you just give them a chance.”

“Of course. You’re right, my brave Princess. I’ll try and do my best to do that. Sleep well and when I see you at the Heavyside Layer, I’ll tell you all about my new and wonderful friends. You’re an angel and I look forward to seeing you again.”

With that, he looked around at everyone, made a vow to keep his promise to Toireasa, and left.

Her friends finally drew back as a tall silver tabby neared. Munkustrap dropped to his knees, opening his arms and Toireasa ran to him, hugging him tightly, his silver-striped arms around her warmly.

"You have the Choice, little one," he whispered, his voice rough with tears.

"I know," Toireasa whispered back.

"Someone wants to see you first, though..." He stood and stepped back. The cats around them all moved back as well, to reveal another silver tabby with the same pattern of fur as Munkustrap, but she looked just like...

"MOMMY!" The small black and white kitten sprang into her mother's newly-furred arms, clinging to her. "I missed you, mommy," she whispered, as her mother hugged her close, stroking her fur and kissing between her ears. "I missed you."

"I know, Princess," Julia replied softly, holding her daughter tightly. "I miss you too."

Toireasa looked up at her. "It doesn't hurt anymore, mom," she said. "And the cats... they gave me the Jellicle Choice... I get to go to the Heavyside Layer..." She motioned around at them all. "They're my friends and they're gonna look after you for me."

"They're good people, Tess." Julia did not want to let her daughter go again, hugging her tight, but looked up at Old Deuteronomy who nodded sadly. "I'll make sure we all look after each other, okay?"

"I'll be watching," Toireasa wagged a finger, and then flung herself into her mother's arms again. "I don't wanna leave you, mommy."

"I know, sweetie." She lifted Toireasa's face. "I love you."

"I love you too, mom."

Old Deuteronomy touched them both. "It's time."

Carrying Toireasa, Julia nodded, approaching the tire with Deuteronomy and Grizabella. All around them, little groups pressed together, weeping softly. Standing on the tire, the two gray cats made a space for Toireasa.

"Don’t forget me, mommy." The little girl whispered softly, as she hugged her mother for the last time.

"I could never do that, Princess." Julia promised tearfully, kissing Toireasa gently, before stepping back from the tire. "You go to the Heavyside Layer and show them all what a real angel is made of."

"I will, mommy." Toireasa whispered, taking the hands of Deuteronomy and Grizabella, as the tire started to ascend to the evening sky.

Julia felt several sets of arms embracing her as she stepped back, watching the tire rise. A flood of tears washed down her face and she returned the hugs of whoever was embracing her, unable to speak.

There was a flicker of rainbow colors and gold as the mystical stairway appeared from the sky and the tiny figure of Toireasa climbed up onto the first step, holding the tangle-furred paw of Grizabella.

She peered down and waved to her mother. "I love you mommy." She called.

"I love you, too, Princess." Julia whispered, as Toireasa ascended the gold stairway, hand-in-hand with Grizabella and stepped into the beautiful light of the Heavyside Layer. She watched until she could see nothing but a new star sparkling in the darkness of the night sky.

"Goodbye, Toireasa." She said softly. "Sleep well."

***** Finis – for now *****

BEHINID THE STORY

By Dennis C. Callin (Rumblepurr)

For those who never met our Princess, Toireasa (or Tess) [homepage] contracted a deadly form of cancer that took her from us. Her disease is called Neuroblastoma or NB. This cancer begins with tumors on the nerves, and can spread readily to other parts of the body. Because it also affects the bones, it also affects the blood production, causing bleeding due to loss of platelets… She left us for the Heavyside Layer while listening to CATS, during the start of Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer. Her final word was “Mom.” Her mother Julia was at her side…

Tess was discovered to have NB when she unexpectedly broke her leg in April 2000. Her mother, Julia, began writing a website journal in August 2000. From the start, Tess fought this disease, never really giving in to the troubles that plagued her… The therapies, the drugs, the procedures – all tried to help Tess fight the ravaging tumors. CATS played an important role in helping keep her spirits up. That, and her love for her mother… All during this disease, she amazed family, friends, doctors, nurses, and even total strangers. Towards the last, the doctors could not understand how she lived as long as she did. She fought the disease, the drugs, and the Dark Cat himself right up until the end. That is why Rio wrote this story…

Rio is an author, artist, and English/Film major living (if that is what she calls it) in Scotland. Her most prestigious work is “Together Again” – a series of chapters that asks just how far does love go to survive. I like to think that in TA, you might go to a showing of CATS, and wonder just how that one Actor knows how to portray Munkustrap so well…? Her most current works are “The Heathrow Heap” series, and “The CAST” series. She also, when she has a microsecond of time, writes for the Jellicle Chronicles as a guest Author.

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