the Redbud tree

I heard a ruckus in the back yard. Frenzied barking. Hurt yelps. Angry barking. I rushed to the back door and my heart sank. I hoped I was wrong, but it appeared Lady and Ivy had something cornered under the Redbud tree. I called them, sternly, several times, to no avail. I walked, because I no longer run, as quickly as I am able, toward them and my suspicion was confirmed. The coloring I glimpsed as I approached the trio made me hope it was a possum. But when I got close enough to actually identify the animal I saw it was a cat, and though I wrestled them away from it, giving it an opportunity to escape, there was no saving it. I am fairly certain it was the same one I rescued a few months ago when they chased it into the tree. I called my friend Daniel and he agreed to come and take care of it for me. Even though I know I am not responsible for what happened, I have regrets. My heart hurts. Death stinks.