Poppy's Love

The smell of salmon permeated the air as Lizzie scooped the mashed heap from its container and plated it in my bowl. As much as I wanted to jump and run toward Lizzie, being the good kitty that I am, I lay still on the table, letting the sun's rays warm my snow-white fur through the window.

I lifted my nose to sniff the glorious, fishy aroma of my lunch as Lizzie placed it in front of me-my all-time favorite salmon mush, lovingly garnished with bits of broccoli, sprinkled with breadcrumbs, all served in my cat-shaped feeding bowl. "Thank you for the meal," I purred, as if Lizzie could understand me.

I devoured my salmon with as much gusto as a cat who had been waiting weeks for another bite of fishy heaven. Lizzie said having too much salmon is bad for my health, so I usually have to endure those crunchy round biscuits that only smell faintly fishy.

Click. There she goes again, taking photos of me and sending them to Andrea. Almost immediately, her phone rang.

"Yeah, she's enjoying her salmon," Lizzie said, then turned the phone toward me, revealing Andrea's wrinkled face filling the screen. "Say hi, Poppy!" I turned my face away. I don't like seeing Andrea. She ruins my appetite.

After their phone call, I returned to my salmon, eating it slowly to savor the taste of this lovely fish God created. I felt Lizzie's hand caressing my back. I purred in contentment and looked up at her. She was lost in thought again, thinking of Andrea. I knew this because I've seen it every night when we're in bed. She always goes into a trance after looking at an old, faded photo of her and Andrea. She'll sigh deeply, then fall asleep with the photo on her chest.

Andrea and I don't have a good history. The first time I saw her, she dashed toward me, startling me, so I hid under the bed. No amount of coaxing or treats could lure me out. But Andrea didn't give up. She came back the next day and, unfortunately, caught me before I could reach the bed. I was so surprised that I scratched her. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to keep her from showing herself to me again-well, physically, at least. Every day, she video calls Lizzie just to catch a glimpse of me snubbing her.

I can't blame her. I'm fully aware of how adorable I am, with my snow-white fur and sky-blue eyes. One time, Lizzie took me to the lobby, and those old coots tried to touch me. I hissed at them with all my might, my fur standing on end from my head to the tip of my tail. Nobody touches me but Lizzie.

But of all the people who've tried to touch me (and failed), I hate Andrea the most because she's stealing Lizzie's attention. Since Andrea moved into the retirement community, Lizzie has been spending more time with her, often leaving me alone in our room with only my mouse toy for company.

One night, as we lay on the bed, Lizzie gently picked me up and placed me on her lap.

"Poppy, won't you like Andrea for me?" I perked up my ears.

"I've loved Andrea for the longest time, even before I met you, Poppy," she said, stroking my head. "It's always been you and me together, but I want Andrea to feel like she's not alone." Lizzie pressed me to her chest, and before long, I drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Andrea visited again, but this time she didn't try to force herself on me. She stayed by the door with Lizzie.

The sun felt nice, so I started grooming my fur. I was so preoccupied with licking my back that I didn't notice Andrea sitting in Lizzie's chair. Lizzie placed my empty bowl on the table and stood behind Andrea. Andrea pulled out a large packet, opened it, and put some of its contents in my bowl. I turned to see shredded brown flakes. She pushed the bowl toward me, her face filled with anticipation. I sniffed the flakes, then took a bite. It had a delicious fishy taste with just the right hint of salt. I didn't know it was possible, but this dish overshadowed my all-time favorite salmon. I was in love with this shredded piece of heaven.

"I'm glad you liked the Bonito flakes, Poppy," Andrea said, smiling with teary eyes.

I purred while munching on my new favorite treat. Lizzie took Andrea's hand and guided it toward my back. At first, Andrea was hesitant, but eventually, she allowed her fingers to run through my shiny fur. Her hands were warm and soft, just like Lizzie's. After I finished eating, I crawled onto Andrea's lap and lay down. Eating makes me sleepy.

"She likes you," Lizzie said, touching Andrea's shoulder. Andrea smiled at Lizzie.

This isn't so bad, I thought, as I drifted off to sleep.