I remember feeling uneasy, when, a few years ago, I returned to Iwatsuki after a strong typhoon, and most of my carp friends in the park's ponds had come to me before I left as if bidding me final farewell. Sure enough, when I got back and looked in all the waterways, there was no sign of carps Brau, Goldenrod, PFC, MaiMai, Pollycarp, Rubi, or Cherrymilk.
I walked all over the park, hoping to catch sight of my swimming pals. When I went to the carp home, however, it was a "karugamo" mallard that appeared there...and I began to get excited when I saw a carp, but it was a lone stranger I did not know who came out, almost apologetic my other buddies were no longer there.
I remember thinking to myself, If a pet dog or horse had died, my friends would at least say they were sorry. They would let me talk about how I felt, expect me to be hurt or sad in some way.
That evening, when I took a shower, I turned the water on and cried until it felt I was wringing my heart out.
But the next morning, when Kinya and I went out, the cat somehow came right up to me and snuggled up against my legs. It was as if he was saying he would be my buddy, if I needed one!
Saturday, my sister Janice had an all-day outing with some friends, and the person who drove them around asked if our family would be interested in adopting some kitten pets...would I! Ever since the time I felt I couldn't talk to anyone and that kittty seemed to be a special friend, cats have held a special place in my heart. I know God will show His will through Kinya and Keima's feelings about having a pet tho' (a cat at that).
