Watching The Cats

October 10, 2021

Reflections, Day 2—the cats learn patience

We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.”

 ― T. S. Eliot,

My wife went on a trip for a couple of days and nights.

She left on her venture from work on a Friday and the cats waited for her.

I was in charge of taking care of the cats and I was most conscientious about the task.

I had their food ready on time—you know how they are about punctuality, don’t you? I did the job like clockwork, not requiring them to ask for the food as they do when it comes a few minutes late.

But they didn’t run to eat.

They didn’t’ devour the food.

Rather, they nonchalantly picked at their servings and then returned to the window.

They seemed to be talking with each other by mews, tonality, and body language.

“John told me that she’s never ever going to come home again.” Says Lightning.

“He’s full of it. She’ll be here any minute, I know it.” Replied Trouble.

“But you said she would come last might and she didn’t.”

“What does ‘last night’ mean?

Lightning pondered, “I really don’t know what it means. She’ll be here, though.”

“It’s not the same without her.” Said Trouble

“I know. There’s no one walking around laughint at us.”

I feel kind of the same as the cats.

Even though I know what “last night” and “Yesterday” mean, There’s just something somber about the atmosphere of the house.

She brings laughter wherever she goes and it echoes in the rooms and changes the atmosphere.

The animals don’t know all of this, but they know the feeling.

They feel that something is missing.

Oscar Wilde said, “Two people together may dine, while one person eating alone merely feeds himself.”

I slowly enjoyed my soup and Fritos.

“She’ll be back tomorrow.” I told myself.

I walked over to the window and petted the cats. They purred in return.

—john schulz