Unexpected Visit

Down the lengthy driveway from my house there is a metal box affixed to a granite post. I wonder if any unexpected surprises from the postal service await me this day. On my route, a strange, but friendly feline saunters up to greet me. Its fur is a mix of grays arranged in softly contrasting bands, and its bright eyes convey a sense of curiousness as it approaches. It rubs against my leg in one direction then the other, meowing sweetly, as if to say, “Hello, have we met before? Might we be friends already?” Offering the cat a gentle pat, it responds with a appreciative nuzzle against my hand. We both seem to acknowledge the simple joy that this encounter has brought to our otherwise routine day. After a short while, the cat gracefully continues on its journey, leaving me with a sense of warmth from the unexpected visit. My face and mind fills with contentment and I turn back toward my house, forgetting whatever else had been planned for my day.

Words and images by Michael J. Hall