Winter Quietly Waits for the Cat to Spring

Upon awakening, I was greeted with the bright, crisp day.

Fresh snow coated everything, making it all seem new; like a blank paper ready for a fresh drawing.

And leading up the back path were the paw prints from my neighbor's cat. She has been here as long as I've owned this house. I love her.  I've watched her hunt in my garden, stretch in the sun, run in from the rain, and watch me through the kitchen window while I did dishes. When my grand daughter was still a baby and would cry, the cat would meow in response to her.  I have been lucky to enjoy her company for so long, and she is the closest thing I've ever had to having a cat of my own (I'm allergic). And when I move, a piece of my heart will stay with her.