The Panther

I am playing a board game. But then I hear a sound.

It is quiet, but I must investigate.

I creep into my room and see a panther. Her yellow eyes are searching, and she speaks to me, although she does not really talk.

"I am here to protect you." It is so simple, yet I wonder. "From what?" I ask. "You know," the Panther says. And I do. A flash of a dream I had long ago comes into my mind. A wolf at the door, with a man watching. Waiting.

The Panther fades and then is gone.

I wake up, and wonder.

I have a black cat, a smaller version of the Panther.