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The Unexpected Arrival of AbbyCat
Bill had never been fond of cats, but one afternoon, I found him on the porch with a yellow-striped cat in his arms. “Look who found me,” he said, smiling. I didn’t expect the stray cat to stick around, but surprisingly, she did. Named AbbyCat by our granddaughter, this cat quickly became inseparable from Bill.
A Special Bond Forms
Wherever Bill went, AbbyCat followed. During his long walks, she stayed by his side. One afternoon, I watched from the window as Bill settled into his favorite Adirondack chair. AbbyCat jumped onto the armrest and patiently waited for Bill to get comfortable before curling up in his lap. Bill would often read, sharing his sandwich with her as if it were only natural.
Although AbbyCat followed Bill everywhere, she never ventured inside the house. The back porch became her refuge, and Bill built a cozy box for her to sleep in on cold nights. "She’ll be snug in here," he said with pride. AbbyCat seemed to agree.
A Quiet Companionship
By February, I had grown used to seeing the two of them together—Bill and AbbyCat, sitting under the Bradford pear tree in the yard. The cold didn’t seem to bother them, and watching them share this quiet companionship was a comfort. It felt like a blessing to witness their bond.
A Sudden Loss
Then, a few days later, everything changed. I found Bill lying on the kitchen floor after a sudden heart attack. It was over before I could even react. In the days that followed, I barely noticed AbbyCat as she came and went, until the day of Bill’s funeral.
When I returned home, I found AbbyCat sitting on the porch, staring at the house, waiting for Bill. I told her softly, “He’s gone. We’ve both lost someone very dear.” But AbbyCat didn’t understand, and neither did I. I tried to coax her inside, but she refused, just as she always did.
AbbyCat’s Silent Comfort
In the days that followed, AbbyCat was nowhere to be seen. The yard was quiet, and the Adirondack chair stood empty. Her absence made Bill’s death feel even more permanent. It was as though both were gone for good.
But then, one afternoon, I saw a flash of yellow outside. AbbyCat was back, sitting on the porch, just as she had before. She seemed to be watching, as though letting me know she was still there. “You’re always welcome,” I whispered, knowing I shouldn’t force her inside. Her presence was enough to bring me comfort.
The Final Message of Comfort
Over the next few weeks, I saw AbbyCat a few more times. Each time, she would sit on the porch, watching the house, as if offering me solace in her silent way. And while Bill wasn’t there, I felt his presence too, comforting me from afar. It was as if the connection they had shared was still alive, transcending the boundaries of life.
When AbbyCat had delivered her message of comfort, she disappeared. Her mission was complete. She had brought healing to Bill’s grieving heart and, in turn, to mine.
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