Full Name: Mr. Pep (named by Mrs. Abernathy after her favorite soda)
Species: Cat — extraordinary in that he is fully aware of his supernatural role
Age: Indeterminate; has lived multiple lifetimes through various owners before Mrs. Abernathy
Appearance:
Small, sleek, purple, white-tipped tail.
Piercing, intelligent eyes that seem to see more than anyone else.
Moves with deliberate grace; tail flicks convey meaning.
Personality:
Sardonic, witty, and sharply observant.
Philosophical, with a dry sense of humor that balances the story’s poignancy.
Loyal and affectionate to those he respects, particularly Frank and the memory of Mrs. Abernathy.
Occasionally mischievous, especially when interacting with the living world.
Abilities & Traits:
Guardian of the Threshold: born with innate awareness of the border between life and death.
Perceives souls, residual energy, and the passage of spirits; can guide them to the afterlife.
Has memories of past lives, giving him wisdom and a subtle melancholy.
Can sense what Frank cannot; often acts as both mentor and comic relief.
Backstory:
Lived with Mrs. Abernathy, who treated him with love and care, teaching him small human habits and affection.
Witnessed her final days and now remains at Patriot Springs to continue his duty as a guardian.
Retains memory of Heaven and the divine order, understanding The Creator’s role in all life.
Role in the Story:
Serves as the supernatural counterpart to Frank’s humanized perspective.
Provides guidance, cosmic insight, and humor, often highlighting the absurdities of human life.
Anchors the story’s metaphysical themes, including mortality, the afterlife, and divine purpose.
Balances the tone: poignant moments of reflection punctuated with dry, witty commentary.
Character Arc (Potential):
Continues to refine his role as guardian while deepening his bond with Frank.
Teaches Frank (and indirectly the reader) to recognize purpose beyond origin and to find joy in small, meaningful actions.
Faces challenges from the living and the restless dead, reinforcing his cosmic responsibility while maintaining humor and perspective.
Catchphrase / Running Gag:
Frequently references food — especially tuna and salmon — as a humorous metric for spiritual well-being:
“Sure. They’ve got tuna and salmon!”
