W hile people are getting killed below us, we float gently down to the ground with my umbrella. It's easier than if I had had a parachute. Constance giggles at the magic. I pray to God that this is really happening and that I am not insane. While we land, cats fall from the sky all around us.
"The madness begins, Alice!" the Pillar shouts from above before he gets back to his fight. I doubt he will survive this one.
But the Pillar is right. Landing with the umbrella is nothing compared to the madness happening around us. Big cats run after humans left and right, slashing at them and killing them. Many humans die because their minds can't comprehend the absurd reality of what's happening. When the sky rains cats, I believe it takes everyone some time to realize it's really happening.
I run with Constance next to me, shooting cats with my umbrella. I don't know if I should feel bad about it, but these aren't real cats. They are beasts made by the Cheshire. It's all wrong, but I promised a little girl that I would save her, and I am working on it. All I need is to bring her back to her parents. We run together through the narrow streets, wishing for the main road.
Out on the streets, Belgian police and ambulances are everywhere. But none of them want to take me and Constance. A nurse tells me that they figure we're all right, and they better save the others. Seconds later, she gets bitten by one of the big cats.
I walk ahead and see that the whole massacre is being broadcasted on TV in the coffee shops already. People are either appalled by it or laughing their heads off. One boy asks if he can watch. He looks over my shoulder instead because he doesn't like this cartoon the grown-ups are watching.
Suddenly, a car rushes by, splashing dirt on us. Before I shout at the driver, he reverses, splashing me once more. I can't see him through the framed windows, but I don't need to be a magician to know who he is. It's an old sports car, all white, and has diamonds painted all over it, making it look like one big, silly playing card.
"Alice!" Jack Diamonds jumps out. "You're not stalking me, are you?" His dimples lower my guard again. The radio inside the car is playing a song called "It's Raining Cats. Hallelujah!”
"Seriously?" I pout. "It's you again?"
"I was attending a Formula One race in France," he says. "Just around the corner."
"And let me guess. You won, right?" I snicker.
"Actually, no. But I finished fourth," he says. "There were only four contestants. So what's all the fuss about the sky raining cats?" He looks over my shoulder.
"Believe me, you don't want to know."
"If you say so. How are you, Constance?" Jack says.
"I'm fine!" She giggles.
"Alice sure loves you," he says, kneeling down. "What kind of trouble did you get yourself into this time?"
"I was kidnapped by an old woman who thinks she is the Cheshire Cat," Constance replies.
"Did she have claws?" Jack says, his face dimming.
"Yes," Constance said. "How did you know?"
"I think she is actually coming for you again." Jack looks over Constance's shoulder.
I turn and see the Cheshire running in our direction. Constance clings to me again.
"I don't know what you guys got yourself into, but get in my car," Jack says. "Fast."