Chapter 13
Christmas
Caravan
“I
get to ride in the Christmas Caravan,” I said to Thomas.
Thomas
stared at me. “I’m so happy for you,” he said, but I knew he wasn’t. Thomas can
be very sarcastic. He yawned widely, showing off his sharp white
fangs, and flicked his tail.
“But,
Thomas,” I said, “it’s my first parade, and I’m excited.”
“It
will be noisy. Lots of loud music and shouting kids. I don’t do kids,” Thomas
said. He curled into a circle and draped his fluffy tail over his nose, ready
for yet another nap.
It's
just the four of us now: Driver, Servant, Thomas, and me. Our friend Chica
crossed over the rainbow bridge a little while ago, but I’m sure she is happily
playing with other cats and dogs and having a wonderful time.
For
this year’s parade, my humans are dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, because
they like to make the local kids laugh and smile. Driver wanted to dress me in
a costume too, but thankfully Servant said I would be too hot. My tongue is
already dangling out of my mouth while we wait for the event to start.
Servant
and I walked the lineup of decorated vehicles, taking photographs of everyone.
She says there are at least fifty cars, trucks, motorcycles, and golf carts.
Our
good friend Freddy Medina is dressed as Elmo. Santa and Mrs. Claus are here,
plus a Ninja Turtle, SpongeBob SquarePants, fairies, elves, snowmen, and lots
of dogs and people wearing Christmas hats. Everyone has plenty of candy to toss
to the bystanders. This is way more fun than leaning over the edge of our
balcony to watch. That’s what Thomas, Chica, and I did last year.
When
the parade finally gets started, Servant says it’s on Mexican time. I’m not
sure what she meant, but it made Driver chuckle.
We
drive south through the neighbourhoods of Salina Chica, Salina Grande, and Las
Glorias, then down narrow side streets along the main road. Then we turn into
the neighbourhood across from the marina, pop out onto the main road by the
Chedraui grocery store, and head back toward Centro.
My
face hurt from grinning at everyone.
It’s the best parade—ever!
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