A controlled, sharp pain wakes me almost every day — a fur ball of orange and white nibbling under the sheets.
I close my eyes as his gentle scratches send a jolt through my body. He’s really hungry by now.
Without rest, I head to the dining table — where humans once ate, now overrun by kibbles, treats, and medicines. For cats, of course.
I put food on the plate for Sun, Moon, and Aiah to share. Sun and Aiah eat right away. Moon takes convincing — but he wins most of the time. Eventually, he eats on his own.
In between cleaning dishes and taking a shower, Sun comes back to me for one more meal.
Before I head out the door, I chase Aiah to her cage. A bowl of food is already waiting.
Moon is lying on top of the closet. Sun asks for another round, then belly flops outside. I carry him back in my arms.
I kiss each of them, say goodbye, and promise I’ll be back soon.