:: Closing Time ::

:: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 ::

Siegfried died today.

Most of you don't know - Siegfried is my kitty, who's brought me through a lot of really tough times. Her kidneys just failed. They offered to put her on an IV so I could go home and see her, but my mother didn't want me to - she'd gone from 16 pounds to 9 pounds in less than four days.

I remember everything about her like I saw her yesterday, and like I'd never left home. Every feeling, every expression. I remember when every night, when I went to bed, no matter where she was she noticed. I'm not sure how - maybe it was my turning off the monitor or something she could hear. Either way, she was in my room within three minutes. I'd go to bed, and she'd push the door open. That's when I knew she was there - Figaro is thin enough that she didn't push the door at all. Then she'd coo - for anyone who's never really met my cat, she DOES coo when she wants attention. It's only sort of a meow, and it was the most lovable thing in the world. She'd hop up onto my bed and we'd both be happy. I slept so well once that started. Because no matter what was on my mind, for almost the last two years, every night, she'd come and smile at me, and I'd pay attention to her and everything else went away. Just warm, and furry, and purring, and loving.

She was the closest, most faithful, and absolutely unquestioning friend I've ever had. I was hers, and she was mine. She never sat in anyone else's lap - she wasn't a lap kitty, in general. But she sat in my lap, pleased with the world.

I'm gonna miss the hell out of her. It really is a death in the family.
:: Peter 4:19 PM [+] ::
...