This Not That

“You would’ve thought that I ran down the street naked or something! Carmen and Samira acted as though I committed a heinous crime!”

Whiskers looks concerned. Rightfully so.

I fling my scrubs into the dirty clothes hamper.

“I know I’m old enough to know better. But it’s not that big a deal. Is it? They’re being dramatic!
Starving myself… Do I look like I’m starving myself?”

“Meow.”

Washed up, favorite sweats…

“Okay, that’s not exactly what they said. They accused me – ACCUSED ME – of starving myself nutritionally. Of course, I felt better after eating Carmen’s beef stew. Anyone would. It’s delicious!”

Whiskers totally agrees.

“Let’s get cozy.” Scooping up my kitty, we head to the living room and settle on my diwan.

“Let’s look at my new grocery list. Carmen’s going to show me how to make her stew this weekend. And Samira and Mrs. Patel are going to teach me how to make spicy lentil soup and chicken curry. I looove their chicken curry.”

Her eyes close as I stroke her back.

“They’re good friends.” Whiskers should know that I’m not really mad. “And possibly the best neighbors in the world.”

Snuggling deeper against the cushions, under the fluffy throw blanket that my coworkers gave me for Christmas, I feel warm, relaxed, and happy. My kitten is purring in her sleep.

Pretty sure I’m about to do the same.