Notice to Cat: Start the Car.

The Drivers own a fairly nice sofa. Nicer than any sofa The Driver has ever owned, anyway. And by "nice," The Driver means, "It's worth more than The Brother's car." Which is to say, "The Brother's car is a beater, but The Driver still considers an automobile a more practical investment than a couch." Which is to say, "The Drivers spent more than The Driver wanted to on the sofa." Which is to say, "The Driver is bitter about the sofa."

Several days ago, the cat coughed up a hairball on the sofa.

Did The Driver mention that the sofa is white?