One day, Kitten Kaboodle was out with Cornelius Trembles for a walk down the Avenue. That day, they walked, and walked, and walked, much further than Kitten Kaboodle could remember them going before. They eventually turned onto a street with ever so many people milling up and down it. And not just ordinary people, but people of all shapes and sizes and colors! Kitten Kaboodle was curious about them all.

There were mostly young people, and a few old people. Some people had bright red hair. Some people had bright blue hair. Some people had bright green hair. Sometimes, their hair was very, very long. Sometimes their hair was very, very short. Sometimes, their hair stuck up along the middle of their heads, like brightly colored birds. Some wore a lot of clothing. Some didn’t wear too much clothing at all. Some wore metal chains. Some wore metal all over themselves.

And there were many wonderful smells coming from some of the stores up and down the street. There were scents of food, and flowers, and incense, and herbs, all mixing together in the air. It was very exciting. Kitten Kaboodle saw a woman sitting on a milk crate on one corner, playing an old wooden flute. On another corner up the street, he saw a man playing a guitar. There was a lot of loud talking and laughter as they walked along.

Eventually, Mr. Trembles went into a very small cafe with a sign above the entrance that read Ishkabibble’s. Kitten Kaboodle wondered Ishkabibble’s what? As soon as they entered, Kitten Kaboodle could smell food. He couldn’t identify what kind of food it was, but it smelled extremely yummy. Cornelius sat down at the counter. Kitten Kaboodle remained perched on his shoulder. Mr. Trembles ordered a broccoli rabe sandwich with cheese, and a black cherry Wishniak. When it arrived, Kitten Kaboodle hopped down from Cornelius Trembles’ shoulder to a stool next to him at the counter.

Kitten Kaboodle sniffed curiously at Cornelius’ sandwich. He disliked vegetables in general, especially when cooked; but he did like the smell of the oil and salt. He thought about stealing a nibble or two as he watched Cornelius eat his sandwich and drink his soda.

As he sat, patiently waiting for his chance, Kitten Kaboodle noticed a new smell. A man had come in and said to Ishkabibble, “One wit’, provolone!” And presently, there came out a sandwich that smelled delicious. There was meat in it. And cheese. And cooked onions. Kitten Kaboodle sniffed at it excitedly.

“Meow!” he said. Cornelius never had cheese with his meat like this. What was it?

Kitten Kaboodle watched the man begin to eat his sandwich. He decided he would try to get a piece of it. He crouched on his stool, ready to pounce.

“Hey,” he heard Cornelius say. “That’s not ours, Ketzele. Leave it alone.”

“Meow,” said Kitten Kaboodle, and he turned back to examining this new sandwich thing on the counter. His tummy began to rumble. Oh, how frustrating to be so close to this wonderful smell and not be able to taste it!

Kitten Kaboodle waited patiently for Mr. Trembles to finish eating, so they could leave. He was getting really hungry, now, and couldn’t wait to find something for himself.

Cornelius ate very slowly. But the man next to him ate very quickly. Soon, the man finished eating, paid, and left the cafe. Kitten Kaboodle stared hard at the abandoned plate— the man hadn’t finished the sandwich! And the piece he left was as big as Kitten Kaboodle’s own head! Ishkabibble was busy at the grill for other customers. Cornelius Trembles was still working on his sandwich, and not paying attention to him. Kitten Kaboodle wondered if he could snag a small helping of that leftover sandwich. Stealthily, he put his front paws on the counter…he stretched his neck out toward the plate…and he took a big bite.

It was delicious! It was meat-and-cheesy goodness in an Italian roll. Kitten Kaboodle chewed on it for a while, but tried to do so quickly so he could steal another bite. Just as he started to go in for his second helping, he felt someone tugging his leash.

“Hey!” Cornelius said. “What are you doing, Kaboodle? Stop that!”

Kitten Kaboodle looked up, disappointed, as Cornelius moved the plate out of reach. But, as he did so, Ishkabibble turned around and smiled.

“Oh, it’s okay,” he said. “Joe was finished. And I’ll be washing the plate, anyway.”

He pushed the plate back toward Kitten Kaboodle.

“Are you hungry, little guy?” he asked. “Here you go.”

Kitten Kaboodle sat up, putting his forepaws back on the counter-top, and tore into the sandwich enthusiastically. “Meow!” he mumbled between mouthfuls. Ishkabibble laughed.

“Do you like cheesesteaks, Little Guy? He asked.

“Meow!” replied Kitten Kaboodle as he ate the remains of the sandwich.

Ishkabibble was indubitably Very Friendly to Cats.

Afterwards, Cornelius Trembles and Kitten Kaboodle went home. But Kitten Kaboodle did not ride on his friend’s shoulder. He was so full of food that he settled into one of Cornelius’ pockets and fell fast asleep as he walked them home.