Reawakening
I woke up to the sound of birds singing cheerfully into the still dark night. It had been raining throughout the night, the drops pattering softly against the window panes.
I slept off and on all day yesterday through to this morning. My body has been aching since last week when I lost my balance in the flowerbed while planting spring flowers. I became embedded in a rose bush, leaving my body scraped and achy. Now, after sleeping for so long, I am hoping I would feel better.
I snuggled deeper under the covers trying to go back to sleep, but it was no use. I was awake. Slowly, I climbed out of bed, donned my dressing gown and bedroom slippers. It was a chilly morning. Taking a glance at my mirror, I quickly brushed my hair that had gathered into a messy peak on top of my head due to the prolonged sleep.
Heading downstairs, I expected to find a pile of dishes in the sink, but Kelly had taken care of everything before leaving for work. Grateful for his thoughtfulness, I appreciated the tidied kitchen. Putting the kettle on for tea, I also filled the outdoor cats’ food bowl and set it out for them. Opening the back door, the melodious chirping of birds surrounded me, lifting my spirits. The birds seemed like they knew how to bring me joy through their cheerful melodies. As if in harmony, they didn’t fly away but continued to sing, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Feeling the exhaustion and pain melt away, I reluctantly closed the back door and enjoyed my cup of tea.
For years, every morning, I would feed the outdoor cats and watch them eagerly gather around. Timma, my favorite, would always greet me affectionately, making those moments special. With summer memories of enjoying tea in the garden with Peter, surrounded by cats of all names, the warmth of happier times resonated. After Peter’s sudden death, the garden fell into neglect as grief consumed me. The absence of his presence affected the garden and the cats, leading to a sense of loss in both. However, as time passed, the cats started returning, hinting at a renewal of life and hope.
As Tawny and other cats reappeared, I sensed a shift in the garden’s ambiance, a gradual return to normalcy. Memories of shared joy and laughter with loved ones in the garden breathed life back into the neglected space. The presence of the cats, each with its unique name and personality, symbolized the return of familiar comforts and routines, hinting at the possibility of healing and renewal.