Edward Silkenpaws

Days like this make me wonder why I bother

I sit with your body cradled against my chest. The cars wiz by our spot, horns blare as the cold wind stirs the fur on your body.

You're dying.

Don't worry. I won't leave you in your last moments on this putrid planet.

The car hit you. I saw it. I was the lone witness that cared.  The car that stole your life swerved. They swerved, not to avoid you. No, you were already across the road. You were in the turning lane for the nearby strip mall. It was eleven at night, the mall long since closed. The car hit you then swerved back into the lane. I heard one say something about "points". You twitched in the road and I ran to you.

You, who had never allowed me to come near reached out with a paw, as though telling me it was okay. There was blood on your muzzle. As I held you against me you let out a few rusty purrs. Was it because I held you as your life slipped away. Was it because I scratched your ears? Who knows. There will never be an answer now. As your purr softened I cried over your chest.

You had been a kitten just 5 short months ago. You'll never be tamed now. Never know how it feels to sit in front of a crackling fire or have a warm safe home where food is abundant.  You will never know any other kind touch other than what I offer now.

Your purr is so soft now that I strain my ears to hear it. It will be gone soon forever. I  It lean over and whisper the name I always called you in your ear. It twitches and I know that somehow you understand. It is my last gift to you as the last purr rolls out of your body - taking your life with it.