Shadows (Patrick Kane)

(48) Home

Patrick

As I wrap up my Christmas shopping I try and figure out what to get Sophia. Though I got us that trip to Australia next year that wasn't a Christmas gift. It was more of a trip and it was for both her and me so I don't count that's as a present. I wanted to get her something before hand that means something. My sisters were too easy and my parents were a little harder. Even getting something for Henry was simple compared to figuring out what to get this girl. When we first met if you told me that I would be out around Christmas time freaking out because I wanted to find the perfect gift I would have said you're crazy. But here I am, in the middle of Michigan avenue losing my mind not knowing what to get.

I walk around for a while before I see someone walking their dog. It was quite the cute little dog, covered in fur to keep those December winds away from their skin. I think for a moment and I realize a pet was perfect for her, though a dog might not be doable. She's gone a lot and won't be able to take it on walks and let it use the bathroom. But I do think she would enjoy a four legged companion. Someone to come home to and to care for.

So I go to the nearest animal shelter and decide to try and find her a cat. I know she likes them, she stops every time she sees one in the window and points it out. I myself am not a cat person but that doesn't mean she wouldn't enjoy it. She's a caretaker by nature and I'm sure she would enjoy a friend.

I walk around for a little just getting a feel. It was heartbreaking to see all these animals abandoned. Like the love they found with their previous owners meant nothing. I could never imagine giving up of a feeling like that.

After walking around for a while trying to decide what she would like best I find a beautiful long haired white Persian cat. It had big blue eyes and beautiful flowing fur. The cat was pretty, I couldn't imagine why someone would turn it in. I see it's name is Olaf before a smile grows on my face. Frozen was a huge movie last year and I know Sophia has seen it a million times. It almost seemed too perfect how this was all working out.

"You looking at Olaf there" someone asks and I turn around. I see someone with a blue polo on that had the name of the shelter stitched on.

"I am. Do you know why he was brought in" I ask.

"He has trouble walking sometimes. He's not old and he doesn't have any problems with his bones but he does have arthritis in his back legs. We think his previous owners tried to force him to be a show cat. Pushing his hips down to make him sit when he didn't want to. They put products on him that's not meant for cats. He had it rough his first few years but he's three now and looking for a good home" the man tells me.

"That poor thing. I know what it's like for his entire existence to be for the entertainment for others. And I know what it means to have someone who you care for and cares for you who is there for you. I know of a great home for this little guy" I admit.

"If you would like we can get you started on adoption papers" he offers.

"That will be great" I smile.

So he gets me to go through the process which took not too long. Shelters are trying to get rid of the animals and while they want to make sure they go to a good home, they also come in at such a alarming rate opening up a cage any chance they get is a win. So I purchase the cat and a starter kit. I'm sure Sophia will go over board buying him a cat tree and treats and cute collars. She was the type to obsess over cute things and Olaf sure was cute.

Once I was done I take him to his new home. I get buzzed up and let myself into Sophias apartment. I take him out of the carrier and hold him. I might not be a cat person but man he was so cute. Finally Sophia comes from her room and stops in the hallway. A loud gasp escaped her painted red lips as she jumps a little.

"Patrick what is this" she whispers.

"Merry early Christmas" I say as I hold him up.

Within a second she was by my side taking the cat out of my hands. She holds him as close to her heart as she can get with the biggest smile on her face. I mean I've never seen a smile that big. And the cat seemed to share her excitement for his new mom as he starts to purr. I can hear him from a few feet away.

"Oh I love him so much. What's his name" she asks.

"Olaf. Which I think is fitting" I admit.

"He's adorable. How did you think you of this" she wonders.

"I don't know" I shrug. "I never like leaving you alone. He was a little friend you can sit around and drink wine with and love. He has arthritis and he doesn't like when you touch his behind. His back legs got some wear on him but he's nice. He won't bite or hiss, he just wants to love and someone to love him" I explain.

"Well I love him. Thanks for thinking of something like this. I know it's Christmas and you're supposed to give gifts but this really is perfect" she claims.

We play with Olaf for a while before I had to go. I had some more Christmas preparations to do and a game before the holiday. Though my shopping is done and now I have another reason to come over there was still so much to do. So much to say though it never comes out.

Eventually Olaf falls asleep on his cat bed allowing me to sneak out. Sophia walks me out to the car before softly grabbing my hand.

"I really want to thank you. Not for giving me a cat but for constantly thinking about me that you saw someone with a pet and thought I would enjoy own too" she claims.

"It was nothing. I know you always talked about it but since you were a flight attendant and traveled so much you never really had a home. Now you do" I insist.

"This is home now" she asks.

"I was hoping it could be" I admit.

She smiles big as she slowly nods. The grip on my hand loosens as she lets me go. "Again, thank you Patrick."

Oh the things we do for the people we love.