She Was Not Alone. A Simple Tale
It was one of those late winter mornings when dawn takes its time. Outside, the caretakers scraped their shovels against the pavements, sending shrill echoes across the narrow mews.
The front door would bang every so often, letting out neighbours hurrying off to their days business.
Thomas the cat sat on the sixth-floor windowsill, gazing down with solemn interest at the unfolding world below.
In what felt like another life, Tom had once been a banker, consumed by pounds and pence, his mind forever chasing the next figure, the next deal.
Yet now, hed come to see life differently. There were things, he realised, far more precious than money.
Now, he knew that nothing could outweigh a gentle glance, the warmth of a kind heart, and a safe roof above ones head. Everything else had a way of falling into place.
Tom glanced backon the well-worn settee lay dear old Granny Edith, his rescuer and dearest friend.
Tom hopped down from the sill and nestled at her head, curling his warm, soft fur close against her silvered hair upon the pillow.
He kneweach morning, Ediths head would ache, and so he did what he could, as only he now could do.
Tommy, youve such a healing touch, Edith murmured after a while, roused by his comforting presence. There you go again, such a good lad. I dont know how you do it, but thank you all the same.
Tom gave his paw a casual toss, as if to say such things came naturally to himthere was little he couldnt handle!
Just then, a low grumble came from the hallwaythe jealous murmur of Max, the dog.
Max had been Ediths loyal guardian for years, stout-hearted and true.
At the slightest hint of unfamiliar steps on the stairwell, he would bark boldly, letting all know that Granny Edith was under his watchful protection.
And for this, he firmly regarded himself as master of the house.
What was he in his past life, I wonder? Tom mused, eyeing Max with a twitch of his whiskers. A police sergeant, perhaps, or a foremanso noisy! Still, hes a good sort. Safer with him about, maybe.
Oh, my darlings, whatever would I do without you, Edith groaned as she rose from the settee. Come along now, let me find your breakfast, and after that, well stroll in the garden.
And if my pension comes this week, well treat ourselves to a fine chicken!
At that, mention of chicken lit up the entire room.
The cat began kneading the cushion with his paws, purring deeply and butting his broad head against Ediths delicate, aching hand.
Oh, you clever rascal, you understand every word, Edith chuckled fondly. Max gave a bark to show he understood too, then pressed his cold nose firmly to her knee.
Ah, my living treasureshow much warmer the house, how much less lonely my heart because of you, she mused, a gentle smile curling on her lips.
One day Ill leave this world, and what comes afterwho can say? So many stories; sorting truth from fancy isnt easy.
I think, if I could, Id like to come back as a catif kind folk would take me in. I doubt I could manage being a dog; Im too quiet to bark much. But as a cat, Id be affectionate, I know it, if only kind hands would find me.
Mercy me, Edith said, catching herself, what fancies an old age brings. The things that cross ones mind!
She failed to see Tom grinning to himself, whiskers twitchingpleased, as if to say, so shed be a cat, not a dog.
For Tom, understanding thoughts was a rather fine trick, all things considered.
And so, thats what it had come to, in the quiet corners of a life weathered by many English winters.
