text: The pain on her right has gotten worse recently. It radiated from her middle, across her hip, and down her leg. It began as a dull throbbing ache months ago, which was easy enough to ride through. Now the pain comes in big waves, in a crescendo that leaves her immobile. Lily heaved a sigh as she lay on the bed. Mike tucked a soft fleece blanket around her gently, and started stroking her head. “At least I am warm and cosy, and he is here,” thought Lily. She gazed at Mike and tried to convey how grateful she was to have his company. But nothing came out. Her voice was too weak. ****** Lily’s earliest memories were hazy, but she clearly remembered the day she was adopted by Matilda, a plump middle-aged lady with frizzy straw-colored hair and thick lips. She smelled of cheap perfume, which made Lily sneeze and twitch her nose. Matilda spoke to her kindly, and told her all about the nice home she is going to live in, and all the nice things she will have. The car ride was terrifying and yet fascinating, as Lily has never rode in a car before. Matilda did have a nice apartment. There were two bedrooms, a comfortable fat gray couch facing a TV in a spacious living area, a modest balcony with a few spider plants and a pot of assorted herbs, and a kitchen fill with all sorts of knickknacks. Lily was given a big, soft bed near a window, and even some new toys to play with. But her absolute favorite was the window that overlooked the main street. Draped with a cream-colored calico curtain, it gave the room an airy, soothing feel. She enjoyed peering out of the window for hours during daylight. Vehicles of all sorts will go by, an ice cream truck, a delivery van, a scooter; children will cycle on the pavement, laughing and chattering; and sometimes a teenage boy will walk past with strange music playing from a device in his hands. It started off on the right foot. Matilda was nurturing and affectionate, and Lily did her best to be polite and obedient. They often watched TV and played games together. Matilda would get treats for Lily occasionally, and that would be the highlight of her day. Sometimes the neighbor’s kids dropped by to play with Lily, and Matilda will welcome them graciously. In time, Lily grew to love and trust Matilda. Until one day, it all changed. Matilda came home from work looking frazzled. Her eyes and nose were red and puffy. Lily immediately sensed something was wrong and wanted to comfort her, but wasn’t sure how to. She inched closer to Matilda bit by bit. When she was right by her side, Matilda suddenly whacked the side of her head with brute force. It was so strong that Lily tumbled and fell. It was not the blinding pain that cut deep, but the fact that it was so unexpected, so sudden, that really hurt Lily. “Go away! You don’t understand anything!” screamed Matilda, and she ran into her bedroom and slammed the door shut. Shocked, confused and heartbroken, Lily went to curl up in her bed. From that day onwards, Matilda was never the same again. She started forgetting about Lily’s meals and started shouting at her if she got in her way. Sometimes, she would smack Lily and threatened to throw her out. She stopped spending time with her, and preferred the company of the various strange men she brought home. Some of the men were nice to Lily, some were indifferent, and some were unkind. The kind ones often gave Lily some food, and commented to Matilda how thin Lily looked. Matilda would snap at them, “If you think you can take care of her so well, she’s yours! Take her then!” And they would be quiet. Even the neighbor’s kids stopped coming, for fear of Matilda. One day, a man came to the house to visit. He had the same straw-colored hair as Matilda. He smelled of amber and musk, and was much taller and bigger than Matilda. He did not notice Lily at first, and when he did, his eyes grew big and his nostrils flared with anger. He started shouting at Matilda and pointing at Lily, and the fight went on for a while. Matilda screamed and cried and sobbed, and the man finally stopped talking and just glared at her. He grabbed a large plastic bag and started shoving Lily’s things in. He walked over to Lily and said in a gentle soft voice, “Don’t be afraid, sweetie. I’m Mike, and you are coming home with me. I will take good care of you.” Lily never saw Matilda again. ****** Mike tucked her favorite blanket around her gently. The grief in his heart was overwhelming. He wept silently as he stroked her head. Lily has been his best friend for 15 years, and he couldn’t imagine life without her. He remembered when she was just a kitten, half-starved and abused by his bitch of a sister. He was so angry and horrified at what Matilda had done, and brought her home to nurse her back to health. It took a long time to rebuild Lily’s trust, but it was worth very bit. Lily was by nature a sweetheart, always trying to snuggle up against his chest when he’s sleeping. She loved laying on his lap while he worked on his laptop or watched TV. Sometimes she would lick his face or hand to wake him up for breakfast, or sit on his chest and purr just because. She was gentle with kids and enjoyed the company of his friends once she got to know them. Her once silky ginger fur is now slightly ratty with age, but she still looked beautiful and sweet to Mike. The vet had strongly advised him to let Lily go. She has been fighting the cancer for a year now, and it would be unfair to prolong her suffering. Mike had arranged for the vet to come to his home this evening, so that Lily would be comfortable and comforted during her last hour. Mike spoke softly to Lily. “Don’t be afraid, sweetie. You will be in a better place soon. I love you.” ****** [A friend of mine recently lost his kitty, and this was a tribute to her.