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Gone

December 23, 2024 27 Comments

By Patricia Mastrandrea

Wednesday night, you wanted to go out. I said, “Be safe. I’ll see you in the morning.” I suspected. You weren’t the first to leave this way, but you may very well be the last.

Fifteen years, we had a good run. When my children left the nest, I had you. When your mother left the earth, you had me. So many memories.

I recognized the changes, though. No excitement, no appetite, you stopped cuddling with me. When by Saturday you didn’t come home, I knew for sure.

Today I miss you, but I’ve decided that I’m not getting another cat.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ephra Behn says

    December 23, 2024 at 8:36 am

    Nice twist at the end of this beautiful, funny and well-written story.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 26, 2024 at 10:17 pm

      Thank you

      Reply
  2. Cathryn says

    December 23, 2024 at 1:37 pm

    Hello Patricia,
    Absolutely agree with Ephra Behn!
    Great read.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 26, 2024 at 10:18 pm

      Thank you

      Reply
  3. Shoshauna says

    December 23, 2024 at 2:42 pm

    This story catches my heart every time I read it. Kudos again, Patricia!

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 9:50 am

      Thank you. I never expected so many delighted responses.

      Reply
  4. Tom says

    December 23, 2024 at 6:51 pm

    I think all cat-lovers will identify with this.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 9:51 am

      Thank you. We’re a different breed, we cat lovers, aren’t we?

      Reply
  5. Tracie Adams says

    December 25, 2024 at 6:47 am

    Oh my gosh, Patricia. This was so layered with meaning and emotion, and I was not expecting that ending! I’m going to hug my cat now. Awesome story!

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 9:52 am

      Thank you. Hug your cat once for me, too ??

      Reply
  6. Janet says

    December 25, 2024 at 8:21 am

    Awesome. Love, love, love

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 9:53 am

      Thank you.

      Reply
  7. Ed Kratz says

    December 25, 2024 at 11:32 am

    Great humorous twist. Loved it.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 9:54 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  8. Jane B Hirschhorn says

    December 25, 2024 at 4:38 pm

    Great twist!

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 9:55 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  9. PK says

    December 26, 2024 at 8:19 am

    Lovely tale with a welcome twist. Bravo!

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 9:56 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  10. Paul Scott Wood says

    December 26, 2024 at 9:59 am

    I totally agree with Tom. Loved the twist at the end, but I got another cat three times, and my fourth cat will be 15 in May.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 10:02 am

      Been there. My Tux was an outdoor cat. Lived 13 adventurous years and had borrowed a few more than nine lives. He may live longer in my stories. I’m somehow believing he’s not completely Gone.

      Reply
  11. Sue D says

    December 26, 2024 at 2:54 pm

    Now, Patricia, we can’t have that person be without a cat! Add part 2!

    Our beloved cat passed on Christmas, and although we have others, some would say a houseful, each is unique.

    Love this story and as someone who has had many cross the Bridge, I can relate to this story.

    I especially like the part about the cats mother.

    Well done.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 10:04 am

      Thank you. My kids are trying to convince me of that, also. 😉

      Reply
  12. Elizabeth H says

    December 27, 2024 at 9:18 am

    Nice! Cats do steal our hearts, don’t they?

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 10:05 am

      Yes they do 🙂 Thank you

      Reply
  13. Ani Tashjian says

    December 27, 2024 at 4:52 pm

    So beautiful, and touching.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 27, 2024 at 5:18 pm

      Thank you

      Reply
  14. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    January 18, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    Will resonate with many cat lovers 🙂

    Reply

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