Missing in Action

Our cat “Manam” has been missing in action since our visit to Kaubasis over the weekend! We normally take him with us on our visits to the “hut” – mainly to chase, harass and feast on the local rat population. He’s a master rat catcher – I’ve seen him devour three whole fully grown rats in a matter of a couple of hours – nothing left – no fur – no tail – nothing! Note that he always starts with the head… crunch… crunch – followed by a munch… munch – followed by the smelliest of farts!!

Well – we’re back in Goroka town but without Manam. My little “besty” missing! Still back at the village – chasing “pussy” (so to speak). I will be heading back to Simbu this coming Sunday to see if he has surfaced. We know where he roughly is and with a little help from the locals (plus the encouragement of a monetary reward) – we are sincerely hoping that “Manam” will be travelling back to town with me.

The danger of well fed animals going missing around these parts – is the nutritional value of the meat. Sounds crass… but it’s a fact. Right at this moment – “Manam” might be no more. If the local “drug bodies” get hold of him – this will surely be his destiny – to top it of the very lads doing the “cook up” – will commiserate with us on the sad loss.

As sad and as pained as I feel – the following one-liner comes to mind:

“If you love something, set it free;  if it comes back it’s yours, if it doesn’t, it never was.”