June 24, 2000 ~ Death and Comfort

Li, a good friend who goes to Warren Wilson with me, just called from Pennsylvania. She was crying. I soon started crying, when I learned her message.

Li has had a cat since she was a little baby. She can't even remember a time when that cat has not been with her. Li is twenty-one. Her cat is now very, very old. And in a half an hour, the vet will be arriving to put her to sleep.

I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a lifetime friend.

As soon as I hung up the phone, I plopped down in the beanbag. A few seconds later, I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. A small, white and gray kitten with pretty green eyes just hopped right into my lap and started purring. She just wandered into the dorm room. I have been petting her for the last ten minutes, until she decided to go on her merry way... Coincidence? Who knows...

Li feels like she is dying. I wish I could hug her.

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