A Life Uniquely Lived

The heat was gnawing at Molly the cat from the inside. It wasnt the first time, but about two weeks ago shed sniffed out a patch of lowlying grass that was still a bit frostkissed. She ate every bit she could find, digging her teeth down to the roots, and it eased the blaze just enough that she almost forgot how awful it had been. And now it was back

That little herb was gone forever, and even if she found another, it probably wouldnt help much. Still, a bit of the plant could at least dull that roaring, scorching heat that seemed to sit deep in her belly and spread outwards.

Who says a cat has nine lives? Shes got only one a tiny, quiet life that wraps itself around anyone shes ever loved. You cant bring it back, but you can give it away if you want to.

Molly clung to that little life with every paw, refusing to let it slip away into the void. She started watching the streets for other people whod already lost theirs. They looked just like anyone else walking, talking, eating, sleeping but something that held them to this world had slipped away, leaving them empty shells, like walking automata. Humans dont notice them, but cats do, and we give them a wide berth. Thats why it was odd for Molly to start seeking them out herself.

One busy afternoon she slipped to a bustling stop near the market, tucked herself into a quiet corner, and kept a watchful eye. Around her were warm, lively folks, each with their own joys and worries. She waited a long time, almost ready to give up, when a sudden chill brushed her heated breath.

A young woman, pretty as a summer rose, stepped into the crowd. She didnt stand out, but Molly felt her. There was a cold vacuum around her, a hollow ringing with a quiet desperation. Molly leapt, claws out, and lunged at the womans leg.

Emily didnt know where the cat had come from. One bright spot appeared right under her feet, a frantic, squeaky meow, and the cats big, beautiful eyes locked onto hers. The woman leaned down, just to give the cat a quick pat, but Molly had already latched onto her wrist with her front paws, scrambling up the arm until she was perched at the shoulder, nose pressed into the small crease there, claws digging into the coat. She wasnt letting go.

The lost ones didnt mind. It was easier to take a cat with them than to chase it around the pavement. Emily didnt resist; she had no strength left, and neither did Molly. If Emily had wanted to, she could have brushed the cat away without a second thought. So two exhausted souls found each other.

Later that night, with no one to stop her, Molly slipped under Emilys blanket. She didnt know what to do, so she simply followed instinct, inch by inch, settling on the cold skin. The heat of her own body pushed her onward she needed to finish before the fever took over.

On the fourth night Emily woke to a tiny whisper, like the ghost of a child shed never gotten to hold. Ill wait for you, Mum but not now. Its good you let me go, the voice seemed to say. Emily had forgotten what it felt like to be damp with sweat, to taste fear, regret, or even a flicker of any feeling at all. Molly, lying on her belly, watched Emily in the dim light, her eyes flashing like tiny lanterns.

Good heavens, youre scorching, Emily muttered, running her hands over the cat. What a solid, hot belly you have. She winced as Molly let out a thin, hoarse whine.

Molly was angry and disappointed. Shed almost given her whole life away when suddenly Emily jolted awake and began kneading the cats already aching tummy. The pain was inevitable now neither could spare the strength to save another life or even keep their own.

So, who really believes a cat has nine lives? Shes got just one, and she can hand it over if she wishes. Emily didnt need that life at all.

A few more hours might have changed nothing.

A veterinary nurse hurried into the clinic, trying to calm a sobbing lady whod burst in with a cat in the middle of the night, disrupting her quiet shift. The heat will pass, Ill keep an eye on her and you can collect her later. Please, dont scream youre almost there! she whispered.

A cat doesnt get nine lives. Shes got only one, and she can give it away if she chooses. And if you want, you might even get that life back the one she shared with you.