I lounged on the couch, ignoring the television while I aimlessly scrolled on my phone. It was a warm evening, but the fan was on so I was comfortable. I even pulled the furry blanket across my lap for extra snuggly comfort.
Thirsty, I reached for my reusable water bottle which I had filled with Crystal Lite and ice. I tipped it up to my mouth only to find that it was now only ice. I shook it a little and tried again with easily predictable results. I sighed. I had to get up.
The thought had no sooner crossed my mind when Freddie jumped up onto the couch and draped himself over the blanket on my lap.
You know how this works, but as always, a gentle reminder:
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I poked him gently and he grumbled, hunkering down. “I need to get up,” I said.
“Okay,” he answered, not moving.
“I’m thirsty,” I said.
“Uh-huh.” he said, closing his eyes.
I opened my bottle again and shook a piece of ice into my mouth. That was going to have to do as Freddie showed no signs of moving any time soon. I stroked his fur and felt him sigh in contentment.
I crunched on the ice and swallowed it then said, “your timing is perfect, little guy.”
He responded by snuggling down deeper, rubbing his head on my leg.
“I guess I’m not getting up.”
I finished the ice in my bottle, but was still thirsty. I looked down at him. He was fast asleep, no longer even purring. Just out.
“Shoot,” I said quietly, not wanting to wake him.
My mind wandered back to a morning earlier in the week. I had lounged in bed for as long as I could without making myself late for work. When I hit that point where I absolutely had to get up, Freddie had appeared on my bed and had settled on my chest, demanding I pet him. I had obliged, of course I had obliged, and was rewarded with many kitty purrs and blinking stares. Once he’d had his fill, he left, leaving me to get ready for work.
I had been late.
He always seems to know.
Back in the present, my throat was becoming even more dry. And another part of my body was reminding me that my empty water bottle had been filled and emptied several times in the last hour or so. “Shoot,” I said again, wiggling a little.
Freddie started awake and looked at me sleepily. “Sorry,” I said quietly. “I have to get up.”
He blinked at me and then laid back down, eyes going shut again.
“Freddie,” I said, still quiet but trying to be firm.
He ignored me completely.
It was a competition for which need was more urgent. I was parched, but also full. I had a need for water, and also a need to release water. I couldn’t move. Because the most urgent need was Freddie’s need to sleep on me. If I moved, I would lose him.
I closed my eyes and buried my fingers in his soft fur. I heard his tail give a quick thump in displeasure at the disturbance, so I paused my petting until he settled again.
“You’re a good boy,” I crooned softly. His ear twitched in acknowledgment.
Freddie likes to have his neck scratched so I did that, digging my fingers in. His eyes were still closed but he stretched his neck a bit so I’d have more space to scratch. I grinned and obliged.
He stretched and I half hoped, half dreaded the possibility that he was letting me up. Once he was fully stretched he settled again, curling his head under so his chin was pointing at me.
It was really cute.
And I really needed the bathroom.
I wiggled a little, trying to get comfortable. I cleared my dry throat, looking for some relief. I failed on both counts.
I could see his eyes were open and he was watching me. “You aren’t sleeping anymore,” I observed.
“I’m awake,” he agreed.
“Are you going to move so I can get up and take care of a few things?”
“No,” he answered immediately. “Pet me.”
I rolled my eyes, but obeyed. I shifted in my seat again, looking for comfort. Things were about to come to a head if I didn’t find a solution.
Freddie writhed in ecstasy as my fingers found all of his favorite spots. “You have to move,” I said. “You can get back on my lap when I come back but I have to get up now.”
“No,” he purred.
Having no choice I finally moved him. He made sure to step right on my bladder as I did and I almost jumped out of my skin. I jumped to my feet and limped quickly to the bathroom.
Once my business in there was complete I headed to the kitchen, picking up my water bottle on the way. I filled it, emptied it, and filled it again. I sighed in relief.
I dropped back into my spot on the couch and looked over at him. He had settled on a cushion on the other side. I pulled the blanket back over my lap and patted it. “Come back,” I said.
He looked at me, then lowered his head to his paws and closed his eyes.
“Freddie,” I whined. “Come back!”
“No,” he said, eyes still closed.
I had moved him and lost him.
Sigh.
Happy Caturday, Peeps! To my fellow West Coast Peeps — I hope you are all staying safe and that the fires are avoiding your homes. It’s scary out here. I can only remember one other time that the sky was so full of smoke and ask and I’ve lived here most of my life. (((Hugs))) to all of you!