Klara

Klara is a vocal tortie in Park Slope.

She narrates. That is the simplest way to describe what she does. When a regular walks in, Klara announces it. When someone is taking too long in the chip aisle, Klara comments. When a delivery driver opens the door, Klara has something to say before the door even closes.

The employees say she reports on everyone.

On our shoot day she did not stop. She watched us set up. She watched the camera. She watched a customer count change at the register. For every small event in the store there was a corresponding sound from Klara. Not loud. Not frantic. More like a running commentary from a coworker who has opinions and no filter.

One worker told us the store feels quieter when she is not there. He did not mean the noise level. He meant the rhythm. Klara is part of the room. When she is asleep somewhere in the back, customers ask where she is. They have gotten used to the narration.

Torties have a reputation for being opinionated. Klara earns it. She does not bite. She does not scratch. She just talks. Constantly. About whatever is happening.

You can walk into a bodega and get a transaction. You can walk into Klara's bodega and get a review.

Klara's story appears in Bodega Cats of New York, out this fall.