Insight of Contemplation

The embrace of the night wrapped around me as I embarked on the pursuit of Feso's enigmatic path through the labyrinthine alley. The moonlight extended its grasp, casting elongated shadows that danced upon the cobbled ground below, while a refreshing breeze choreographed a gentle ballet with the leaves overhead.

Feso's tail teased in and out of sight, leading me further into the intricate maze of alleyways.

Each step I took was a measured symphony. The enigmatic nature of Feso's impromptu adventure aroused my curiosity, leaving me with an insatiable itch to unravel what had ensnared the feline's interest.

At last, Feso's dainty paws came to a pause beneath the shimmering spotlight of a street lamp. She began to ascend, almost gracefully, coming to a perch near a stranger's shoulder. This person exuded an aura of poised elegance, her attire speaking of a formal stature, perhaps a working professional, quietly illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlamp and accompanied by the symphony of rustling leaves.

Amidst the cascade of her coiled hair, which gracefully caught the play of light and shadow, the unexpected presence of a feline companion did not ruffle her composure. With an air of graceful inquiry, she addressed Feso, "Hey, little wanderer. Where are you trying to head?"

With a delicate and deliberate touch, she gathered Feso into her embrace, and in response, the feline nestled in, as if an enchanting harmony had been struck between them.

Just as everything unfolded and the pursuit of Feso led me down winding alleyways, I sensed the need to intervene before the lady took her inside the well-furnished house that stood to the left, its details obscured by the encroaching darkness. With a purpose in mind, I stepped forward, my intent etched into my voice, "Excuse me."

Before my sentence could fully escape my lips, she preempted me with an air of curiosity, her voice resonating like a chord struck in harmony with the moon's luminance, despite her advanced age. "Yes, who are you? May I help you with anything?"

In this impromptu encounter, I found myself at a juncture unforeseen. Collecting my thoughts, I began, "Actually, that cat is someone whom I know. I was following her, tracing her path back."

The response I received was unexpected, casting a shadow of doubt on my intentions. Her words, though delivered with a calm demeanor, painted a picture of suspicion. "Well, you might be right. But what if you are some animal smuggler? And want to hurt this little kitty."

The conversation took an abrupt turn, akin to an unexpected gust of wind disrupting a tranquil scene. I stood there, a maelstrom of thoughts swirling within, grappling with the challenge this lady's suspicions presented. How did a simple attempt to ensure Feso's safety lead to a precarious situation where my intentions were cast into doubt?

Amid this puzzlement, I found myself at a crossroads. How should I navigate this delicate exchange and dispel her concerns? As uncertainty hung in the air, I weighed my words carefully, seeking a balance between transparency and reassurance.

The uncertainty that lingered in the air, I quickly responded, hoping to ease her suspicions. "Well, you know that cat doesn't go to strangers. Not so quietly as it happened with you."

I shifted my gaze towards Feso, hoping to demonstrate my point. With a note of authority, I commanded, "Hey, Feso. Come here to me." I was confident that Feso's compliance would surely convince the lady of my connection with the cat. Yet, the universe seemed intent on proving me wrong. Feso, the same feline companion I had fed countless times, remained nestled in the embrace of the stranger, an infuriating act of defiance.

The lady's triumphant smile was evident as she remarked, "See, she didn't want to go with you."

Her next proposition took me by surprise. "Hm, but let me feed this cat, then you might take her."

I had a question in my mind: "Why? Just moments ago, you were skeptical about me."

"Well, you're sporting an eye patch and even have a bandage on your left hand. You don't come across as a troublemaker. So, I suppose it's alright." She provided an unforeseen response while studying me.

The idea held a certain logic, and despite my inner turmoil, I found myself agreeing, "Fine, but make it quick."

Stepping through the wooden door that creaked softly in protest, I entered the lady's house. The hallway led to a well-appointed living room where I settled onto a meticulously crafted sofa. As I observed the intricacies of her home, my eyes fell upon various paintings adorning the walls, each seemingly telling its own story.

The passage of time was marked by the clock's steady ticking, and just as the hour hand reached eight, the lady reappeared. In her hands, she cradled a bowl of cat food, its aroma wafting through the air. Gently, she placed the bowl on the floor, her presence a calming influence over the feline as Feso began to eat, the lady's touch gentle against Feso's fur.

A silence settled over the room, prompting me to break it with a question. "By the way, what's with these drawings? Your hobby?"

Her response carried a tinge of sorrow, "Not quite. They're my daughter's."

Recognizing her melancholy, I decided to refrain from probing further. Before long, she suggested, "How about you come here and caress this cat? I'll show you something."

As she disappeared into another room, I positioned myself a bit further to the right of the sofa and just near the kitchen. With gentle strokes, I attempted to caress Feso, hoping for a familiar connection. Yet, Feso's resistance was evident, a stubborn refusal that only deepened the enigma surrounding her behavior.

Her expression was unreadable, I watched as she entered her room once more, the door closing softly behind her, leaving me alone with the perplexing puzzle.

The clock's hands aligned in their eternal dance, it was as if time itself indicated the lady's return. In her hands, she held a canvas, a glimpse of her daughter's passion. Her countenance bore a hint of a smile, and with a sense of grace, she introduced herself, "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Colie Machenalla. Just an engineer whose daughter was crazy with the hobbies of piecing up art together."

Her words carried a mix of pride and nostalgia, unveiling a connection to the art that adorned her walls. Her expression shifted, a subtle blend of both grief and audacity as she continued, "Even a widow, but now I am quite on my feet. So all is good."

Amid this unveiling of identity, Colie's keen perception caught the thread that piqued my interest. "It seems you are also interested in art."

I couldn't help but offer a correction, a glimpse into my aspirations. "Not art exactly. But I want to be a 'to be able to create something' type of person."

With a sense of understanding, Colie settled herself down, her curiosity driving her to explore further. "So, what's stopping you?"

The question hung in the air, a challenge to articulate the barriers that had held me back. "Hm! Nothing, I just cannot see the path of it with one eye," I replied my words a reflection of my inner struggle.

And then came an answer, a piece of wisdom that I had never encountered before. Colie's response held a simplicity and profundity that resonated deeply, "Hm, I don't know much about it, but you don't need to see it with any eyes. Just close your eyes and contemplate what you want to throw in."

Her words lingered in the air, an unexpected insight that brushed against the fabric of my being. Contemplation—the very essence of creation—had slipped from my conscious thoughts. In my pursuit of creation, in my quest to overcome the limitations of my sight, I had encountered Feso, and now, in this unexpected encounter, I had crossed paths with Colie, a woman whose wisdom illuminated a new path.