Watching the Blue Day Begin

The small, striped cat had settled into its favorite spot. The sun was rising, and the sky outside the window was the softest shade of blue, like a sheet of clean construction paper.

From this window perch, behind the criss-cross of dark frames, the cat had the perfect view of the neighborhood starting its day. It was the best kind of morning: quiet, but full of promise.

The cat watched a fluffy tail disappear up an oak tree, then watched a bright yellow school bus rumble by, leaving a trail of happy, muffled giggles. Every sound was softened by the glass, making the whole world outside seem a little like a movie, just for the cat's viewing pleasure.

The cat's tail gave a slow, contented thump against the window sill. It wasn't bored; it was waiting. It wasn't lonely; it was watching.

Soon, a familiar pair of feet would appear on the sidewalk, followed by a backpack swaying side-to-side. And then, the door would open, ending the quiet watch and beginning the day's real adventure: play and snuggles. For now, the cat just sat, a striped, shadowy watcher against the bright, blue morning. The world belonged to the window, and the cat belonged right there.