The late afternoon light filtered through the window, painting the room in shades of amber and honey. The ginger and white cat sat bathed in this warm glow, a statue of pure composure. He sat with the stillness of a sphinx, his copper eyes watching the dust motes dance in the air. To any observer, he was the definition of royal dignity, a creature of silence and deep, ancient wisdom. He held his head high, the sunlight catching the soft white fur of his chest and the vibrant orange of his face.
But even kings must bow to the power of a nap.
The warmth was relentless. It seeped through his fur, relaxing every muscle and melting his stoic resolve. The need to sleep became a heavy, sweet weight. Slowly, the composure cracked. The cat threw his head back, surrendering to the sensation. His jaws opened wide, stretching in a magnificent, silent roar that exposed every sharp tooth. It was not a sound of anger, but a song of comfort a dramatic, whole hearted greeting to the coming sleep. The dignified watcher vanished, replaced by a blissful, drowsy creature ready to drift away into the sun soaked dreams of the afternoon.
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.
