Michelle Summers

It was 5:30am and I was being followed by a beautiful, blue-eyed stranger. Quickening my pace, I stared ahead into the darkness, the air was chilly and the smell of Autumn was all around.

​

"Just hurry up and don't make direct eye contact . I can't be late for work.

She'll get bored with me and turn around." I thought to myself. , as she stealthily strode beside me.

​

The world was silent, except for the soft ,yet resolute, voice behind me. 

​

"Meow. Meow. Meow. Meow."

" I don't have any food, go home."

"Meow. Meow. Meow. Meow."

​

This cat was not taking no for an answer. She had been meowing at me for nearly a mile. 

​

I repeatedly pleaded with her to turn around and go back to her home. 

​

"Meow. Meow. Meow. Meow."

​

Reaching the coffee shop, I quickly locked the door as she bolted toward the entrance.

P-h-e-w! Now cat-less and behind the doors, I started brewing coffees for the morning

rush of customers that would soon be upon me.

​

"Meow. Meow. Meow. Meow."

​

That's right, she was peering though the glass door at me. I knew what had to be done, she got me, I could no longer resist. This beautiful,  blue-eyed,  furry stranger needed me...work or not.  From that moment we  began a friendship that lasted nearly a decade.  In that time she helped me re-discover my love of photography. I had the perfect subject; patient with striking features and easily bribed with cat treats.  While she has sadly passed on,  I still feel her resolutely walking beside me,  forever to remain my muse, my friend.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​