The cat ran away Thursday morning, apparently slipping out the door while Justin left for work. I was surprised by the sense of loss I felt when I realized she was gone I’ve never had a pet before, and never set out to bond with this one. I’ve never fully understood people’s grief when their pets die. After all, it’s just an animal. Get another one. What’s the big deal?
But I spent a couple of cumulative hours searching around our apartment complex for this cat, and even sat out on the front step for a half hour Thursday night at about midnight, hoping she’d saunter home. No dice. But earlier tonight, after Justin spent some more time poking around our residential environs, she suddenly came home. Seemed a little dazed at first, but OK. Later, as she was purring on my lap, I actually let loose with two or three tears. Really. I literally can’t remember the last time that happened at some point in high school, around 20 years ago, maybe? There’s no question, though I’m hooked. Welcome home, kitty.