A Purry Interlude

A day doesn't go by when Ariana doesn't mention at least one of her cats. We learn about their cute little habits and funny little ways. She wonders if they are missing her as much as she misses them. "Not as much as your parents do!", I tell her. She laughs. "I know. I bet my Mom will cry when she sees me."

Everywhere we go, if there is a cat to be seen, Ariana sees it. We are walking one day when she spots two whimsical stone cats perched playfully on a house. She exclaims in delight and wishes she had the same at her house.

Shortly after, Ariana spies a living, breathing white cat sitting saucily on a windowsill. She crouches down to make friends, as cat and little girl stare at each other.

Ariana skips all the way back to our apartment. Her encounter with a plump white Dutch cat is as sweet and meaningful to her as any museum masterpiece.