My room

My bedroom is on the second level of an old brick townhouse. In the morning the sun rises, filling my room with warm light. There is a tree outside my window. In the summer the leaves offer shade to keep my room cool. In the fall, the colors dance brightly in the gentle breeze. The naked branches in the winter offer colorful cardinals and other small birds a place to rest. Over the past couple months, I've watched this symphony of seasons with delight.

The beauty outside only adds to the serentiy inside. I've always seen my room as a haven. It's painted a pastel pink and my colors are warm, refreshing and natural. I've also barred the cat from ever entering -- which means he tries to sneak in any chance he gets.

I make a point of shutting the door tight and he's learned that he'll be dragged out by his scruff if he ever enters. Of course none of this stopped him this morning.

From the moment I woke to his scratching on the door, I've been on defense against his entry. When I went out to take a shower, he tried to slither his way in, but my quick reflexes kept him out. Unfortunately, at some point between the shower and choosing my outfit he managed to get in. I have no clue how, but I could smell him right away. The fresh aroma of cat food, outside, and his normal alley cat smell. I searched under the bed, but he wasnt there. I looked in the closet, but couldn't find him. Thinking I was just imagining things, I went back to getting ready. then i noticed the curtains in front of my window moving. I hadnt opened my window, and there was no breeze.

H-cat  was sitting precariously on the radiator under the window, hidden by my white curtains. I came behind him, and gently moved the curtain away. His gazed was fixed on the tree and I stopped to follow it. My eyes fell to the first bud of spring, emerging from the branches.

The moment of enjoyment and connection was fleeting as he spotted me behind him. He turned towards me with a soft meow, and extended his paw to swipe at my hand holding back the curtain he sought refuge behind. As I picked him up to put him in the hallway, I noticed he didn't fight my grasp as much as usual. Maybe this new season will turn over a new leaf in our relationship.