A Brief Visitor

I am Kömür. I’m as black as the coal for which I’m named, and my big eyes are a piercing yellow. I’m a bit small for my age of 4 months, being a street cat; & I’m thin. But I think fast on my feet, and I can run and hide from even the biggest dogs.

A couple of days ago, while running to hide in the gravevines, I slipped and fell from the 5 metre high garden wall, landing awkwardly on the street below. I crawled under a nearby car to recover. When the car moved away, I was out in the open and found I couldn’t stand. The curious dogs wanted to play with me; but I couldn’t run away.  I hurt so much! And I was paralyzed with fear!

The lady found me, hissing and yowling to save myself. She wrapped me in a cozy sweater and took me to the vet, who said I was not broken and would probably be ok in a day or two.  I didn’t feel ok.  I wasn’t broken on the outside; but my insides felt broken. And I was so afraid! But the nice lady took me home and got me a sandbox, a soft pillow, and some warm milk. I couldn’t drink the milk, but I have been able to crawl to the window, where I can see outside and let the morning sun warm me.  But I am growing very weak and still can’t eat anything.

Tonight, the lady has brought me into the toasty warm studio, wrapped in my sweater and nestled in my basket on my pillow, so I can be in company and be soothed by the friendly voices of the other people. It feels nice. Another vet has come to see me.  He and the lady have fed me warm milk in an eyedropper, but it’s hard for me to swallow, and I don’t think it is helping, I’m glad to be warm, with someone stroking me. But my insides are broken: I am dying.

W buried Kömür in an abandoned walled garden later in the evening. He was with us for only a couple of days of his short life. Even after such a short time, I find myself missing his presence. During the night I remind myself that there is no need to go check on him. The warm sweater is washed and ready for another homeless visitor. Maybe the next one can stay longer.