There is a specific spot by the back door, right where the striped rug meets the hardwood, that serves as the official waiting station. This is where the day truly begins.
It starts with the gaze. Sitting perfectly still, tucked into a neat loaf, the cat waits with an intensity that is impossible to ignore. Those eyes striking, crystal clear pools of blue lock onto you the moment you walk into the room. It’s a look that says, You’re finally awake, mixed with a little bit of, You know what comes next.
When the silent staring doesn’t yield immediate results, the vocalizations begin. It’s not just a meow, it’s a conversation. With a mouth wide open in a demanding chirp, the cat makes the argument for why attention is needed right now. The logic is undeniable. It has been at least eight whole hours since the last round of affection, which is practically a lifetime in feline years.
The hand reaches down, burying fingers into the soft, cloud like fur along the spine. This is the moment the cat has been working toward. The intense blue eyes soften, the demanding posture relaxes, and the hallway fills with the quiet, vibrating sound of a purr. The morning ritual is complete, the toll has been paid, and the day can officially proceed.
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
