Epilogue–The Bonus Years
Nearly two years have passed since my family’s move to Texas and my wild adventure roaming the neighborhood. I am still here–living and breathing–but just barely.
Each day I find it harder to get up and venture outside my crate. Sometimes I spend the entire day lying in here, occasionally sipping water from the bowl just outside on the ground.
My Texas life has been amazing. What a marvelous two years it’s been, mostly because sweet Mellie has been by my side. And I mean RIGHT by my side! Not only is her crate right next to mine, some days she comes into my crate with me and we sleep all curled up together. I love her so much, and she loves me too. Who would have thought we’d be so happy growing old together back in my pissing-on-the-wall days when she first came to live with us? Thank goodness we got this opportunity to spend our final years with each other!
Today the sun is shining brightly after weeks of pouring rain. I think I’ll go find a sunny spot where I can sit and warm myself. Oh, no, what has happened? I’ve fallen in the grass and I’m too weak to get up! I will just lie here for a bit and take a little nap.
Now the family is gathering around me and petting me gently. Why are they crying? I wish I could tell them not to be so sad. They have given me such a good life, and a long one too. Did I hear them say 21 years?
Mellie is coming over and she is rubbing up against me. “I will miss you,” she whispers quietly. “You will soon be leaving on another adventure.”
“At least you won’t be alone this time,” I manage to tell her.
“You now have the dogs.” I am comforted knowing that because she has made friends with those once hateful creatures, they will be able to keep her company after I am gone.
“That’s true,” she says. “Plus, I have a feeling I’ll be joining you before too long,” she adds.
Things are getting foggy now and I can barely get my breath. The family is stroking me softly and saying goodbye. I hope they know how much I appreciate the wonderful life they’ve given me. They are talking about where they will place my body when I am no longer in it–right here in this yard, under the tree by the fence! How perfect–so close to the spot where I made my way out under the fence for that memorable adventure almost two years ago.
The sun’s warmth feels good on my fur. I am fading fast now–I think my time is near.
I hope kitty heaven is a lot like Texas.
Sent from my pawPad
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Shae is an alter ego for Ginny Brinkley, who reports that she has been writing almost her entire life.
© Copyright 2015 Ginny Brinkley