Little boys echoing between houses in humid night air

Laughter bouncing around and over them as they wrestle in thick grass

Cats asking for dinner from atop a brick wall
Fur shedding as they clamber up, awaiting food

Flicking tail and high pitched cries
Pushing against ankles and hands
Tensing at the sound of the door

A fan ticking against its motor pushing it faster, faster
Begging for fresh air

Yellow lights only heat the dark house
Still air
Warm carpet
Blank walls
Blank stares