Christina sat before her dressing table, applying her favourite lipstickCherry Bliss. She smiled softly, recalling how Gregory once remarked how much it suited her.
At her age, she thought, one no longer expects miracles. Yet, unexpectedly, one appeared. They met at a bus stop, of all places. He offered her his seat, she thanked him, and so began a conversation that changed two lives.
That was three months before, though it felt a lifetime ago.
Oliver, what do you think? she asked, glancing at her cat as he lounged atop the window sill, tail twitching as he watched the sparrows fluttering outside. Pretty enough?
Oliver meoweda gentle, approving sound.
For five years Oliver had been her companion. Since the day she buried her late husband, Henry, and brought home a kitten she told, Well be sad together. Yet, together, they had continued to live.
He was a clever cat, full of understanding. When she felt miserable, he would join her, softly purring. When she was happy, he would dart about with excitement. And every morning, without fail, he woke her with a gentle paw upon her cheek.
The telephone trilled.
Christina, Im on my way! came Gregorys exuberant voice. Today lets settle everything, once and for all.
All right, she laughed, her spirits rising. Ill be waiting.
He was coming with the keys to his flat. Theyd decided to live together, in his place by the coastan airy, bright flat with sea winds to sweep away old sorrows.
Christina had imagined it alla breakfast out on the balcony, the view over the bay, Gregory poring over his newspaper.
Oliver, she said, were moving. Youll love itbig windows and even more birds to watch.
The cat stretched languidly, hopped down, and rubbed against her legs.
Yes, of course, youre coming too. How could I leave you?
Then, the bell rang.
Gregory arrived, all smiles, polished shoes, arms bearing a bouquet. He looked the parta successful businessman, well put-together.
My beautiful Christina! He kissed her on the cheek. Ready for a new life?
Ready! she beamed. Come in, Ill put the kettle on.
At the kitchen table Gregory ceremoniously set a set of keys before her.
These are for our family nest.
Oliver strolled in, eyed their guest, and gave him a good sniff.
That animal again, Gregory grimaced. Christina, I wanted to talk with you.
About what? There was an edge to his tone.
Well, you see, my flat is newly renovated, everything immaculate. Cats shed everywhere, their smell lingers. Truthfully, I have allergies.
Christina froze, teacup in hand.
You mean?
Im not willing to live with a cat. Gregorys tone was calm, as if speaking of an old chair. Youll have to decide what to do with him.
His words hit her like a dousing of cold water.
Oliver sat at her feet, looking from her, to Gregory, to her again. His look seemed almost humanknowing.
After a while, Gregory left, keys abandoned on the table. Christina remained seated, tea gone cold, staring at the hateful keys.
Oliver leapt onto her lap, purring quietly, soothingly.
What should I do, Oliver? she whispered, stroking his thick fur. What should I do?
Gregorys words echoed in her mind: Its up to you.
How could it be just an easy choice? Five years Oliver had been her family, her comfort, her reason. After Henry, that tiny kitten had kept her from falling apart.
She recalled bringing him home, tiny and squeaking, feeding him from a dropper, nursing him back to health, his first purr safe in her hands.
Through the yearsmorning teas together, evenings by the telly. When she was poorly, Oliver never strayed from her bed. When she felt blue, hed fetch his favourite toy mouse and nudge her to play.
Oliver lifted his head, met her gaze with something deeply trusting.
She paced the kitchen. Phone in hand, she nearly rang her friend Sarah, but changed her mind. What would Sarah say? Most likely, Christina, its just a catsurely a man is reason enough to find him a new home…
But was it?
At the window, she watched as the first December snow blanketed the courtyard. Christmas was near, a time she always wished to spend with someone by her side.
Very well, she decided aloud. Ill ask at the vet if anyone wants him. Well find you a good home, Oliver.
Even as she said it, everything inside her revolted.
She visited Mrs. Thompson, her kindly neighbour who fed the strays.
Mrs. Thompson, do you know anyone whod take a cat? A good, clever one?
Oliver, do you mean? Mrs. Thompson exclaimed. Trouble at home?
Moving, thats all. Pets arent allowed.
Mrs. Thompson peered at her.
Oh Christina, really? Olivers like your kin. I remember how you nursed him as a kitten.
Circumstances, Christina sighed.
What circumstance could matter more than a faithful friend? the old lady shook her head. I dont know anyoneand I dont want to. That would be betrayal, Christina.
That word stung. Christina hurriedly said goodbye.
At home, Oliver greeted her by the door just as always. Twining around her legs, purring. She realised, in that moment, that he understood something had changed.
Im sorry, she whispered, gathering him up. Im so sorry.
That evening Gregory called.
Well? Sorted the cat problem?
Not yet. Still looking for someone.
Christina, dont get sentimental. Do you want to be with me or not? Im a serious manI need a woman who knows her mind, not one wholl throw away happiness over a cat.
Give me time.
We dont have time. I want you with me by Christmas.
She sat in silence long after. Oliver lay beside her, watching keenly.
Hes right, she murmured. Youre only a cat. Gregory is a man. Where would I find another like him?
But even to herself, her words rang false.
By the third day, Sarah rang.
Christina, you sound down. Whats happened?
Christina told her everythingabout Gregorys ultimatum, the search for a new home, her doubts.
Waithe actually said, Choose between me and the cat?
In so many words, yes.
So next, hell say he doesnt like the way you dress, or your friends, or your music. If hes starting out by bossing you around…
But what if I end up alone? Christina nearly cried. Utterly alone.
Youre not alone, are you? Oliver doesnt count?
Christina fell silent.
Afterwards, she sat on the sofa, Oliver instantly settling beside her.
Be honest, Oliver, she said. If I gave you away, would you miss me?
He purred in response.
And would I ever be happy, knowing Id given you up?
Oliver met her eyesso much trust, so much love.
Oh heavens, she whispered. What am I doing?
The phone rang. Gregory.
Christina, tomorrows Saturday. Ill collect you. Youve sorted the animal out?
She looked at Oliver, curled up and purring.
Gregory, I need to think.
About what? Youd throw your life away for a cat? Are you mad?
Couldnt you try to get used to him? Olivers very clean, very well-behaved.
I told youI have allergies. Look, Christina, clearly youre not ready for a proper relationship. Think it over. Tomorrows your last chance.
He hung up.
Only Olivers purring broke the hush of the flat.
So thats that, she muttered. Last chance. How poetic.
And suddenly she knew: her fear wasnt loneliness. She was afraid she could forsake her truest friend for a man who dealt in ultimatums.
Saturday dawned grey and damp. Christina slept poorly, tossing and turning all night, haunted by a dream in which she walked a long corridor, with Gregory and Oliver at the end. She had to choose; she woke with a weight on her chest.
Oliver, as always, was at her feet. Seeing her awake, he stretched, yawned, and hopped onto her pillow.
Good morning, love, she whispered, burying her face in his fur.
She set the kettle, gave Oliver his breakfast, changed his water. Her hands trembled.
What am I to do? she asked her dignified feline companion, who relished his breakfast.
He gazed back at her, empathy shining in his golden eyes.
Perhaps hes right, she mused aloud. Perhaps I do cling to the past. Maybe Im not made for commitment.
But the words felt hollow, imposed by anothers will.
At eleven Sarah rang.
How are things? Done any thinking?
I dont know, Sarah. My heart says one thing, my mind another.
What does your heart say?
Christina glanced at Oliver grooming by the window sill.
My heart says I cant betray him.
Theres your answer! Sarah crowed. Any man who makes you choose between him and a loyal friendis he a man at all?
After the call, Christina cradled Oliver in her lap.
You know, Sarahs right. Im not alone. I have you. And Im content. Honestly.
Oliver purred, nestling closer.
And what if the right man would love us both?
At two, the doorbell rang. Christinas heart thudded painfully.
Gregory stood on the threshold, bag in hand, face stern.
Well? Ready? he asked, not even bothering with a hello. Packed?
Come in, Gregory. We need to talk.
Talk about what? He stepped into the hallway, looking around. Wheres the cat? You got rid of him?
At that moment Oliver emerged from the kitchen, sat, and calmly watched him.
There you go again, Gregory huffed. Christina, I asked you to handle this!
I have decided, she said quietly.
And?
I cant leave him.
Gregory stared. What do you mean, can’t?
I cant. Olivers my friend. Weve been together five years.
And what about me? His voice iced over. Who am I to you?
She really looked at himreally saw the man who wanted always to have his way, not the man she had fallen for.
You are dear to me. But Oliver never made me choose.
What?! Gregorys voice dripped disbelief. Are you comparing me to a cat?
No. Im just sayinghe loves me, without conditions.
He stepped towards her.
You realise youre giving up our future over an animal?
Im not throwing anything away. Im choosing what matters to me.
Oliver padded over and twined about her legs. Christina bent to pick him up.
Well then, Gregory said, voice metallic. Think again. Im a man of means and reputation. I could have given you a good life. And youover a cat.
He isnt just a cat, Christina interrupted. Hes Oliver. My Oliver.
Whats so special about him? Hes just an animal!
And Christina finally understood.
Youre right, Gregory. There is nothing especially remarkable about him. Excepthes never forced me to choose between him and someone else.
Gregorys jaw worked with anger, disbelief, and confusion.
So thats it? You choose the cat?
He waited another second, then turned sharply.
Foolish woman, Christina. Youve thrown away your chance. Youll never find another like me.
Perhaps not, she agreed quietly. But therell never be another like him, either.
Gregory slammed the door behind him.
Christina sat in the silence that followed.
She walked to the kitchen, sat at the table. Oliver curled up in her lap.
Well, Oliver, she murmured. Its just us again.
He gazed up and nuzzled her hand. And to her surprise, Christina felt reliefa weight gone, at last.
You know something, Oliver? she smiled. I think we made the right call.
An unfamiliar lightness filled her chest for the first time in days.
Time passed; March arrived, full of sunlit puddles and sparrows squabbling outside. Christina tended her violets, which blossomed in riotous colour on the window sill.
Look at this beauty, Oliver! she showed him a newly opened flower.
He sniffed it seriously, then purred his approval.
Three months had gone by. At first, doubts lingerednot about being alone, but about what ifs. What if Gregory had been her last chance?
But something changed. Home itself seemed to breathe again.
Christina returned to teachingtwo new pupils, little Maisie and a teenager named Arthur. Music and laughter returned to her flat.
Miss Franklin, whos that cat? Maisie asked one day, catching sight of Oliver.
Thats Oliver. My dear friend.
May I stroke him?
Of course.
Oliver permitted it, even sharing his purrs with the delighted girl.
Recently, something curious happened. She met Mr. Michael Benson, the widowed retired teacher from upstairs, in the courtyard.
Thats a fine cat you have, he noted, spotting Oliver in the window.
Thank you. Do you like animals?
Very much. I used to have a sheepdog, Daisy. She passed two years back. Ive been thinking its a bit lonely on my own.
Their conversation stretched for over an hour. Michael proved interesting, thoughtful, and most importantly, kind-hearted.
And your cat, hes not shy of visitors? he asked once.
Oliver? Hes a good judge of character. He wont stand for bad company.
Michael chuckled. I hope I pass the test.
He didstraight away.
Now, as Christina watched Oliver bask in a shaft of sunlight, she smiled. Life was mending itselfnot as shed dreamed, but in a gentler, sturdier way.
She brewed her tea, settled into her armchair, Oliver purring in her lap.
Thank you, she murmured into his silken fur. For showing me true love doesnt ask us to betray ourselves.
Warm, secure, and soothed by his purrs, Christina no longer feared solitude. She had finally realised: so long as you are loved for yourself, you are never truly alone.
