Hello! It’s been a while. I can see the state you’re in — you’re barely holding on. I feel it, and I feel how heavy it is. What are you going to do with it?

Yes, you have a choice.

Now look at me. I know you’re in pain, but look. I’m not asking you to stop feeling the pain. Feel it — but look at me too. I came to you because the enormity of what you’re going through is almost impossible to bear. It makes my fur stand on end. Look — can you see it bristling? This is damn hard and I feel it with my whole body. I’m stepping onto your chest now — easy — I don’t weigh much.

Maybe you’d pet me? I dragged myself all the way here for you. A warm hand on your solar plexus — that’s all I’m asking. All you have to do is lift your arm, bend the elbow, and let it fall.

Do you hear? I’m purring. Breathe in that rhythm.

Now watch me and breathe, make the exhale longer. And again. And again. Again. Not perfectly. Just again.