She Wasnt Alone. A Simple Story
A pale winter sunrise creeps over the rooftops. Outside, the sound of shovels scraping against the pavement fills the air as council workers clear the snow in the street.
The communal door keeps echoing with a soft bang, releasing neighbours on their regular rush to work.
Monty, the ginger cat, sits regal on the sixth-floor windowsill, quietly watching the bustle below.
In his past life, Monty was an investment banker, and little ever held his interest but pound notes and figures.
Now, though, hes realised there are far more important things in life.
Now he knows: there is nothing more precious than a kind look, a bit of warmth from the heart, and a solid roof above your head. The rest always works itself out.
Monty looks over his shoulderthe old floral sofa is occupied by dear Grandma Edith, his saviour.
Sliding down from the sill, Monty settles at her head, curling up on the edge of the pillow, his soft fur pressed gently against her hair.
Monty has learned that Edith wakes up many mornings with a nagging headache, and he does his very best in the only way he knows how.
Monty, you little doctor, you, Edith murmurs a little later, stirring as she feels his gentle presence. Taken my pain away again, havent you? Oh, clever boy, thank you! However do you manage it?
Monty gives his paw a casual flick, as if to say its nothing at alla doddle, reallyand makes himself at home. Theres a lot hes capable of, after all!
Suddenly, a mild grumble comes from the hallway. Thats Barney, the Labrador, showing a touch of jealousy.
Barney has been Ediths staunch and loyal companion for years.
At the slightest hint of unfamiliar footsteps, he barks a deep warningjust so everyone knows Grandma Edith is well protected.
And for those reasons alone, Barney has made himself head of the household.
What do you think you were before? A building foreman? Or a copper, perhaps, Monty muses as he watches Barney, so noisy! Still, a dogs a dog, let him bark. Maybe we are safer for it.
My dear ones, what would I do without you both? With a small groan, Edith rises from the sofa. Time for some breakfast for you, then well pop out for a stroll.
And if my pension comes in this week, well treat ourselves to a nice chicken.
The mention of chicken sparks a surge of delight.
The cat starts kneading the sofa, purring loudly and nudging his large head against Ediths bony, arthritic hand.
You cheeky thing, you know exactly what Im saying! Edith chuckles fondly. Barney gives an enthusiastic woof, showing he understands as well, nudging his damp nose firmly into her knee.
Ah, living soulsyou do make the house so much warmer, and the heart not half so lonely, thinks Edith, smiling.
When I go, well, who knows what happens after. Everyones got their own ideas, you try and understand it but its all muddled.
If I had the choice, Id come back as a cat. Id want good people to take me in. Im not cut out for being a dogcant bark that loudnever have been the noisy sort. Maybe thats for the best. But oh, Id be the gentlest cat, full of affection. Id just want to land somewhere with kind humans.
Oh, listen to me, Edith mutters, catching herself, I do get odd notions these days. Thats old age for you!
She doesnt notice Monty curling his lips into a secret smile, giving Barney a rather smug glance.
See, she wants to be a cat, not a dog.
And Montywell, since his new life, hes picked up the knack for reading thoughts. Not a bad bonus, all told.
Just imagine where life gets you.
