At the end of the day, my last at the job I have had for the past eight and a half years, after bittersweet farewells, hugs and handshakes, kindnesses often unexpected and sometimes undeserved, I managed to come home, my body and brain aflutter with the realization that my life, changed so much over the course of the past year, is about to change once again. On Monday I will drive a new route to work, I will meet new people and struggle as I always do to remember their names and learn to talk with them. But until then, at the end of this day, there is the sweet homecoming to Duncan and the cats.
Roo was sitting in the window. Olive and Pip were in front of the door while Winnie, perched on the back of the couch, presided from above. When I came in I was carrying my loot of cards and gift certificates, my tea mug and lunch bag, a paper plate of cake leftover from the going away party. They waited for me to unload my arms and then it seemed each of them took turns sliding up to me, running the length of their bodies along my calf, standing upright, resting their paws on my shin, or in Duncan's case on my hips. They mewed and whined, tails upright and straight, as though aligned with some celestial point far overhead, each smiling as I rubbed their chins and scratched behind their papery ears.
And at the end of the day, tired and moved, all I wanted to do was lay down on the couch, the lights soft and dim, and be loved and comforted, congratulated and praised as only these friends know how.
Roo was sitting in the window. Olive and Pip were in front of the door while Winnie, perched on the back of the couch, presided from above. When I came in I was carrying my loot of cards and gift certificates, my tea mug and lunch bag, a paper plate of cake leftover from the going away party. They waited for me to unload my arms and then it seemed each of them took turns sliding up to me, running the length of their bodies along my calf, standing upright, resting their paws on my shin, or in Duncan's case on my hips. They mewed and whined, tails upright and straight, as though aligned with some celestial point far overhead, each smiling as I rubbed their chins and scratched behind their papery ears.
And at the end of the day, tired and moved, all I wanted to do was lay down on the couch, the lights soft and dim, and be loved and comforted, congratulated and praised as only these friends know how.
2 comments:
The unconditional love of animals is truly the best, isn't it?
Warmest wishes and hugs.
I didn't realize I was was signed on under my "big girl" account.
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