“I’m a quiet little calico, very quiet, very calico, and very Annabelle. I’m slightly old-fashioned, but very self-assured. I am very comfortable in my coat of many colors. When I curl up in my cat-sized bed, people think I am a patchwork quilt – black, white, and golden orange. Then I stretch out a leg or two, and people say, ‘Oh, my, your quilt has ears! And a couple of legs! And a tail!’ And I say, ‘How do you do? My name is Annabelle.”

“Listen, I have to tell you because I’m so proud. Annabelle is not just a Cat; she is a Candy Company. Annabelle Candy makes Rocky Road, Abba-Zaba, and U-No bars. I may have named my kittens Rocky Road and Abba-Zaba. A couple of years ago, we were named the “Most Outstanding Female-Owned Business in the Bay Area.” And our factory is solar-powered. And how did I, Annabelle, end up in Saint Paul, Minnesota? I don’t know; oh, my, I don’t know.”

“I certainly wouldn’t mind an Abba-Zaba right now. I hear tell they’re not available in Minnesota. I do hope Tuna-Mack bars are available. What’s a sweet, candymaking cat woman supposed to eat? Chickens? Sure, why not – chicken! Would you be so kind as to bring me some?

“I’m gentle, and I’d like a gentle human to pet me. I may purr softly if you do. Be charmed by the little black spot on my little girl nose. Be charmed by me. I don’t sing and dance; I’m much too much a lady. But I will sit with you and encourage you to dream of candy bars. You know, one a day never hurt anyone. Annabelle does not do food guilt. No, never. How about $120 so that I can go home with you? I’m as sweet as candy; I really am.”