Thing of Nightmares

Thing of nightmares, that Peaverton cat. Favored among strays, fed rice and fish by the immigrant families. She is bulky for her breed. Muscular. Ears in tatters, battle wounds inflicted by rats, crows, dogs. We are not the only family who has never fed her, and she no doubt can fend for herself. So why is it that she comes to the window now, scratching and peering, frightening my unwell son?