The Snowstorm

Staring out the window, I inspect the pristine blanket of pure, glistening snow covering my yard. The white of the snow matches my soft, fluffy underbelly. The rest of my body is multi-colored with varying shades of brown, black and tan. I am more suited to summer living as the darker fur absorbs the sun’s heat and warms my spirit. The sun is missing today.

While some see the winter as peaceful, quiet, and cozy, I regard it as dreary, endless, and monotonous.  My petite pink nose feels chilly as it presses against the frosty windowpane.  My tiger- striped tail moves more slowly than usual and my salmon-colored paw pads are definitely cracking from the cold. I look up and I am surrounded by sullen grey skies. The wind howls as snowflakes briskly fly across my colorless yard. Enough of the bleakness already! Why the weather isn’t listening to me? Crestfallen, I resign myself to yet another nap. I curl up in a ball and begin to dream of better days.

To my delight, a server brings me a tray with brie, caviar, salmon, and chicken along with tuna flavored milkshakes. My belly full, I bask in the sunshine, taking my fifth nap of the day. The sun’s warmth penetrates my luxurious fur. My soul is melting. I feel magnificent. My emerald green eyes are dancing with joy. As I am reveling in my escape from hibernation, Phillip suddenly appears. A short, stocky boy of approximately 10 years old, he is dressed in knee length blue and white striped swim trunks. His auburn hair is ruffling with the warm breezes as he plops into the lounge chair. I rub against his legs and snuggle up next to him. Phillip smiles, pets me, and our hearts entwine.  I realize how much I am enjoying this time with my best friend.   What a glorious way to spend an afternoon!

“Midnight, wake up,” Phillips says.

 My boy, now a tall and thin fifteen-year-old with brown eyes, cropped hair, fair skin, and loads of freckles comes running into the breakfast room. His rowdy footsteps arouse me from my window seat where I am enjoying a nap on my special sky- blue pillow.

I blink slowly, turn my head and gaze at him. He smiles brightly, a friendly smile, and I stare at him for a while.

“Meow,” I respond lazily.  

I remember when I first met Phillip. He was closer to my height and had a squishy little belly like mine. Phillip has really changed. His voice is deeper, his muscles are stronger, and his belly has melted away. Yet when I look in his eyes, I see his caring spirit and feel all warm inside. The tenderness in his eyes makes me want to spend more time with him. I will do anything that Phillip wants me to do.  He comforts me, feeds me, and even tells me secrets. Phillip is a loyal buddy.

“Come Midnight, let’s go play!” he says as he gently strokes my back and scratches behind my ears.  

Feeling sluggish at the moment, I slowly stretch my rear toward the sky, allowing my spine to feel tall and rounded. He continues to pet me. I start to purr.   I rub the sides of my face against his hand, look at him and blink slowly. Phillip wants me. He wants to spend time with me.  I am thankful to have such a sweet and thoughtful boy.

Phillip grabs my magic purple string and drapes it over my tail. There is something special about this string, and in spite of its tatters, I usually enjoy chasing it. I remember when I used to bat at the magic string all of the time. Phillip would dangle the string and I would swat at it or he would drag it on the floor and I would scamper after it. Capturing the magic string was one of my favorite games. Now, it has little interest for me. All I want to do is hibernate and dream of better days.

“Middy, you got this,” he says. “Chase the magic string. Let’s have fun together.”

Middy, I enjoy when Phillip calls me by my nickname. My resistance dissolves and my heart skips a beat at the mention of “Middy”. Purring again, and rubbing the sides of my head against his hands, I remind myself of sweet Phillip. He is the best boy ever.

Phillip delights in serving and tending to my every need.  He brings me the most delicious food and always makes time in his busy day to play with me. He is my boy after all, and we want to make each other happy.

 Happy.  I remember what that felt like, long ago before the snows came. My yard looks cheerful in the summer, a brilliant grass green with fluffy clouds occasionally arresting the sun, offering a respite from the heat. Fresh smelling breezes ruffle my fur.  I chase butterflies, squirrels, and even try to catch the birds. Phillip runs around after me. Often, he throws a small ball, a stuffed mouse, or drags the magic string. Phillip brings me special treats, salmon (my favorite), kitty caviar and fresh water. He is the most nurturing caregiver. When we finish playing, we claim a lounge chair (warmed by a fluffy towel, of course) next to the swimming pool for a quiet respite. Phillip’s strokes and chin scratches cause me to fall into a deep sleep. Phillip nods off too. We rest, lounge and savor the summer sun. When Phillip wakes, he kisses the top of my head and encourages me to play again.

 Now, I gaze out of the cold breakfast room window at a bleak nothingness. Will the snow stop falling? When will the warmth return and when will this drawn-out winter end? I have never seen a winter last as long as this one has. I yearn for the days of my dreams, lingering outside, with my boy Phillip, in a magnificent and warm paradise.

I guess I will follow Phillip and the magic string after all. If the string is magical, will it lead me to better days? What exploits lie ahead for this handsome middle-aged King of the Household and his faithful companion? Will we be able to run outside and play again?  Will we have fun again? Will we enjoy our lives?

“You got this, Middy,” Phillip says.

I meander toward the string that he is now artfully dangling off the ledge of my window seat. There is a promise of adventure ahead. I must see where we are going and how Phillip and I can conquer more kingdoms, together.