I was petting the neighborhood cat that lives at the top of our street (lovely little thing, and very friendly) when a guy (Slovakian? Czech?) walking by stopped to chat.

Someone refused to look at the camera.

Guy: Is beautiful cat.

Me: Oh, yes. It’s such a sweet kitty. (motion towards house) It lives here, I think.

Guy: You live here?

Me: No, I’m down the street some. (wave vaguely in the right direction) Just the cat. I don’t know it’s name. Great to see it out again, she’s a great cat.

Guy: What do you do?

Me: I work at home. Writer. (still petting cat)

Guy: You have husband?

Me: Um, yes. (look at cat for advice, but none forthcoming)

Guy: You lovely woman. (smiling)

Me: Er, well, thank you.

Guy: Lovely woman. (still smiling, walks away)

Me: (pets cat)