She Wasnt Alone. Just a Simple Story
It was one of those late, wintry mornings, you know the sortthe sun dragging its feet above the rooftops. Out in the courtyard, you could hear the scraping of shovels as the caretakers cleared the snow.
The front door didnt get a break, either, swinging open and banging shut over and over while folks hurried off to work.
On the sixth-floor windowsill sat Percy the cat, quietly surveying his kingdom below.
Once upon a time, in another life, Percy had been an accountantmoney was all that mattered then. Dont laugh, mate, its true. Cash, numbers, ledgersthe works. Hed never given a thought to anything beyond it.
But things change, dont they? Now hed learned that there are much more important things about life.
A friendly smile, a bit of kindness, the warmth of a homethose were priceless now. Everything else would sort itself out.
Percy glanced back at the living room. On the old sofa snoozed Granny Margaret, his saviour.
He hopped down from the window and curled up by her head, tucking himself in close, his soft fuzzy fur pressing comfortingly against her.
Percy knew that every morning, Granny Margaret woke up with a headache, and he did everything he could to help, in his own little way.
Percy, youre a proper nurse, arent you? Granny Margaret chuckled sleepily, feeling that gentle warmth by her head. You always chase off the pain. Good ladthank you. I swear, how do you do it?
Percy gave a casual little flick of his paw, as if to say it was nothing at allpiece of cake! He could handle far more than that.
Just then, a quiet grumble came from the hallway. That was Alfie, the family dog, expressing his jealousy.
Alfie had been Granny Margarets loyal companion for years. Always on guard, barking at any unfamiliar footsteps, making sure everyone knew that Granny Margaret was watched over.
Thats why he was sure he ran the place.
What was he in his past life? Percy wondered, glancing over at Alfie. Maybe a builder, or a copper, the way he carries on so loud. Well, never mindlet him bark. Maybe it really does make the house safer.
Oh, you two! What would I do without my lovelies? Granny Margaret mumbled as she eased herself off the sofa. Let me get you both some breakfast, and then well have a little stroll in the park.
And if my pension comes in this week, Ill buy us some chicken.
The magic wordchickenbrought instant excitement.
Percy started kneading his paws into the sofa, purring like mad, and nuzzling his big head against her thin, arthritis-twisted hand.
You clever boy, Percy! You even know what Im saying, dont you? Such a character, she smiled fondly. Alfie let out a happy bark, keen to show he understood as well, and nudged his great wet nose into her knees.
Bless you, darlings, Granny thought, her heart full. The house just feels warmer with you hereI never really feel alone.
I do wonder, when Im gone, what happens next. No one seems to agree, everyones got their own ideas. Hard to figure it out.
I think Id like to come back as a cat. Find myself a household with good people. I couldnt be a dognot enough bark in me, Im too quiet for all that. Then again, who knows? But I reckon Id make a lovely catgentle and loving. As long as I end up with kind folk.
Heavens, listen to me, Granny Margaret laughed at herself. The things that pop into my head these days. Thats old age for youI do come up with the strangest notions.
She didnt notice how Percy gave Alfie a sly, whisker-twitching smirk.
See, she wanted to be a cat, not a dog.
And now Percy had developed a knack for reading minds, which he considered quite the bonus.
Honestly, mate, thats how things go, isnt it?
