In the quiet folds of a weathered house, a black and white cat moves with purpose and grace. Each day begins in the warmth of a soft blanket, stretched across a thermal pad that hums gently beneath him. Pipes rattle in the distance, shelves sag with forgotten tools, but none of it disturbs his morning slumber. He is still, content, and perfectly at ease.
As the light shifts, so does his mood. Curiosity stirs. He climbs the old wooden door, paws pressed against the glass panes, peering into the brightness beyond. The world outside glows with dry leaves and bare trees. His gaze lingers, not with longing, but with calculation. There’s something out there worth exploring.
Later, he walks a dirt path toward a gate. A dog lies nearby, watching but unmoved. The cat’s steps are deliberate, tail raised, ears alert. The yard is scattered with wood, buckets, and the scent of cold air. He pauses at the gate, not to hesitate, but to consider. Every fence is a puzzle. Every path, a possibility.
By afternoon, he’s in the backyard, leaves crunching beneath his paws. A pinwheel spins lazily in the breeze, adding a splash of color to the muted tones of winter. He walks toward it, not for play, but for presence. The carport looms behind him, but he doesn’t look back. His journey is forward, always forward.
This cat is not just wandering. He is claiming comfort, testing boundaries, and chasing light. In every quiet corner and sunlit stretch, he writes his own story one pawstep at a time.
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.
