"I suffered a deep loss at the end of January. My cat Dragon died. He was the best of cats, charming and dignified, affectionate when affection was earned and tolerant beyond belief. Even when the twins were tossing him at each other--much to my dismay--during their early elementary school days, never did he raise a claw to them. This story was inspired by a card sent to us by the vet who euthanized him. It included a poem based on a Norse myth about the rainbow bridge, pets, and their human companions."
MAYBE THINGS AREN'T WHAT THEY SEEM
I crested the hill. A meadow spread out below. Leafed-out trees glowed in the sun. Settling my pack on my shoulders, I was grateful for grass and not scree on the steep grade.
In the distance I saw a structure. With no particular destination—where was I?—I headed toward it: a bridge, with something dark moving back and forth in front.
I couldn’t place the familiar sound I heard. But my heart beat faster. I picked up the pace.
Something black streaked toward me. I dropped to my knees as a black cat launched itself at me. In the light I could see brown stripes ripple among the black. When he lifted a paw and tapped my cheek, I knew. “Dragon!”
“Lots of mice here. Will you finally learn to hunt?”