Chapter 3
“It’s still April 2025. I spent the night at the old house, sleeping with Kitty McSnuggles. She must’ve sensed I wasn’t feeling well–she didn’t leave my side the whole time.”
I was sitting on the stone floor in the small courtyard. The sunlight was slowly fading like even the sky couldn’t quite bring itself to say goodbye just yet.
The old cat lay heavy and quiet in my arms, ears twitching just a little, her nose softly humming–as if she was trying to match my silence.
I ran my fingers gently over the bony ridges along her back, careful like I was scared it might hurt her.N
“You have to promise me something, okay?“N
I looked into her eyes. “Once your kittens are grown up–when they can eat, chase bugs, and jump up on the courtyard wall–you need to come find me.“N
She didn’t answer, just flicked her tail slightly like she did hear me.N
“Come find me at my grave, alright?” I said softly, my nose starting to clog a little.N
“I’ll be waiting there, just like you used to wait for me at the door every night.N
“You still have to be my cat. Don’t go running off to someone else’s home.N
“I used to think… Once you got old, I’d bring you to Grayden’s place. Out in the countryside. It’s quiet there. Lots of space.“N
I lowered my head, smiling faintly.N
“He’s all tough talk, but he’s soft inside. If you cuddled up to him a little, he’d probably let you sleep on his bed.N
“I really thought… I’d grow old with you both.“N
I stroked her ear; she squinted her eyes, and a familiar purr rose from deep in her chest.N
“You remember Grayden, don’t you?“N
I looked out into the distance.N
“When you were a kitten, you didn’t care much for him. Always avoided that little feather toy he waved around to tease you. He used to get jealous, remernber? Said you only liked me and not him.
“Later on… well, you still didn’t like him much.“N
I smiled again, my eyes drifting into the warm blur of twilight.N
“But hey, listen, if one day he thinks of you and wants to take you in… don’t turn him down.N
“I know you were never close, but things are different now.
“Mom… can’t take care of you anymore.”N
My voice cracked just for a second–but I kept it steady.
“So you have to go snuggle up to Dad now, okay? Just… don’t claw at his pants again. You know he hates that.N
“You didn’t know better back then. But now… do it for me. Show him just how good of a cat you are.“N
She suddenly looked up and licked my fingertips.N
I hugged her a little tighter.
The camera wobbled slightly. Chantal didn’t say a word, just quietly zoomed in on the cat curled in my lap. “Look at her…”
I gave the camera a soft smile. My voice felt like it could float away.
“She’s been with me for 17 years. When I fell into a well as a kid, she tugged at my shirt and meowed until someone came to help. When I skipped school crying in elementary, she waited for me on the balcony. The year Grayden moved to the city, she curled up in my arms and stayed with me for three whole days and nights.
“She knows me better than Grayden ever did.
“But I still have to go.
“She’s not getting any younger either. No matter how much I wish she could, she can’t stay with me forever. And no matter how much l wish to stay, I. I can’t take her with me.”
I looked down. Her eyes were closed like she was sunbathing.
“So you have to promise me.“}}
I said it clearly, every word steady.
“Once you’ve raised your babies… when your legs can’t carry you anymore–come find me.N
“I’ll be right there, waiting. Don’t be scared.“%
I paused. My body felt stiff and still for what felt like forever.!!
Until she finally looked up and gently nuzzled my hand.
In the frame, sunlight caught the whiskers on her face–like spring snow landing on water, slowly melting away.
“Kitty McSnuggles… Mom’s illness is getting worse.“N
