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+---- Thread: K. Clamence sits with his cat (/showthread.php?tid=377)
- captjanko - 2021-12-28
(320 Words)
K. Clamence sat exhausted in his chair distracted by Meursault's purrs at his feet, a low and consistent vibration. His legs ached and he couldn't stop replaying the afternoon's game in his mind. Three crosses had entered the box. Three crosses met by Clamence's head. Three crosses wide and high over the goal.
Meursault, impatient, jumped into Clamence's lap and his dull humming roared for real attention. Clamence obliged and scratched Meursault behind the ears, Meursault rubbing his head into Clamence's chest, the roar subsiding into purrs of contentment. Clamence's mind returned to the game. While the three headers failed, his efforts did drag two defenders when a fourth cross found O'Conner unmarked for an easy goal.
Ultimately, Clamence found solace in knowing that the team won in large part because of his efforts, even if he didn't end up on the score sheet himself. Clamence wanted, above everything else, to be on a winning team. After O'Conner scored, Clamence wrapped his right hand around O'Conner's neck and the two touched foreheads in a moment of glorious joy. They quickly found themselves surrounded by team mates celebrating a goal which they knew would bring victory.
In his chair, with Meursault in his lap, Clamence smiled at the fresh memory. Meursault's purrs vibrated against his sore legs and Clamence felt the warmth of animal companionship. Clamence had felt isolated in the States, his talent foreign and alien to his teammates. Here, in London, Clamence felt challenged and simultaneously accepted by his team. This day had been victorious and those instant moments of togetherness gave Clamence meaning.
Excited for what tomorrow might bring in training, Clamence rubbed the back of Meursault's head. Clamence had brought Meursault across the pond with him in anticipation of shared excitement but it seemed Clamence only experienced it thus far on the pitch. For this night, however, the two enjoyed a cozy snuggle while London sleepily murmured.