Cat's Soul

Sphynx cats are unerring at one thing — they read essence, bypassing form. A cat's soul is recognized in any guise, and a paw is only ever placed on the shoulder of one's own kind. Mushrooms and snails cover them both, each snail carrying its own house on its back.

Under ultraviolet light a spiral lights up on her chest — the same shape coiled in the snail's shell on her shoulder: one pattern, different scales. A feather earring hangs from her ear. Some signs of belonging wait for darkness; others are worn at all times.

The smile is turned toward the viewer — a silent question already hangs in the air: are you one of us?