He feeds the cat a peanut. The cat sits and thinks about the peanut for a while. Then drops it on the bed.

The old man gently, gently soaps the little dog's back. The little dog shivers in the water. The old man's hands are gnarled like very old trees.

The man deftly puts the worm on the hook for the little girl. His hands are split and weather-beaten. He has used them to conquer the elements and build new worlds.

The man touches his daughter on the cheek, and kisses her hello. His long, elegant fingers are warm. His eyes- her eyes- smile.

The cat with the peanut makes a funny chirp. He smiles and laughs, and says, "kit-tens." And I smile with all my heart.