Sunset

 “Madam Rosè, thank you for coming.” Mia’s father shakes the elderly lady’s hand, as she hands him ,the wicker basket with the apple pie inside. Eager to see Mia, I jump down from the old lady’s arms and start wandering around the yard.

“She usually runs straight to me as soon as I arrive. She must be playing hide and seek… or maybe she wants to sneak up on me. But I won’t let her catch me off guard!” I think to myself, amused by the game and get ready. I carefully weave my way through people’s legs, trying not to be noticed, and listen closely to every little sound that might give me a clue about Mia’s position.

My ears perk up, there’s a familiar voice just a few steps away: Sam, that little brat.

“Sweetheart, Mia has gone on a long journey to find the stars. When you look up at the sky at night, she’ll be there. The brightest one of all” says a women, gently stroking his head.

“Liar! She promised we’d go to space together. Mia is just a big liar!” Sam tells, crying in frustration as he tries to push his mother away. She holds him tight, doing her best to hold back tears, while comforting him.

“That’s impossible. Mia would never do something like that. I’m sure there’s been some mistake. She would never leave without saying goodbye, and she always keeps her promises” I think, quickening my pace to reach Sam and tell him he’s wrong.

Suddenly, someone scoops me up and holds me gently but firmly.

“It’s Mia’s mum!” I meow happily. Finally I can make Sam understand that he’s mistaken.

“Hey, little one. You came to see Mia too, didn’t you? You know, she’s with all of us now, watching over us from above.” Drops fall from her eyes onto my fur. I rub my head against her face, trying to comfort her. She must be sad because Mia left.

Sam and his parents say goodbye to Mia’s family and head home. The little brat has fallen asleep in his mother’s arms, so they decide to leave. As they walk to their car, I see sadness and sorrow in Mia’s mother’s eyes. There’s something in the air that I just can’t understand.

“Here you go. I know you love these” Mia’s father gently hands me a couple of those fantastic fish biscuits. I savor them with delight.

“Meeow” I purr, thanking them and, as the sun sets, I slip through the open gate to head home.

Before returning to Mary, I decide to take a little detour to the lake behind the house. The sun reflecting on the sill water creates a breathtaking scene, freezing time for just a moment. The soft breeze stirs up memories like: playing with my siblings when I was little or the first time Madame Mary took me home and gave me all the love she could. Mia and her beloved stars. Tom and his adventures, Jack and his pride, Ernest with his delicious snacks… and yes, even that little brat Sam.

I don’t know why, but a deep nostalgia washes over me, making me long for those moments. I curl up, letting the feeling settle, as I wait for the sun to disappear completely.

“ Hey Mia. I hope you got to see this beautiful sunset too”.