The door opened and the room filled with noise and activity. The tabby, who was curled up on the blanket draped over the couch cushion, turned her head and narrowed her eyes at the sun that stole it’s way into the room with the open door. Bothered by all the clamoring that now surrounded her, she stood up and arched her back in a deep stretch. She splayed her paws and dug her nails into the blanket as she tipped her head back and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of her back muscles pulling taut. Eying the room carefully to gauge how quickly all this ruckus would die down, she jumps down to the floor. Her people are bustling about so she walks under the dining room table to get out from under foot. Having her tail stepped on is not a pleasant feeling and one she’d like to avoid if possible. Observing from the safety of table and chair legs, she watches her people carry in bags and drop them on the table. She hears noisy laughter from the tall, giggly one, lots of talking from the smallest one, and calm request from her favorite person. With all her people in the kitchen, and none of them reaching for her food, the tabby decides to walk away and find a quiet spot in her favorite persons bedroom. She walks slowly and carefully down the hall, taking in the tv sounds from the other bedroom, the sunlight coming in from the bathroom window, and the clicking sound that happens when the heat turns on. When she makes it to her bedroom, she jumps up on the bench at the foot of the bed and walks to the end closest to the big window. The sunlight is coming in and she closes her eyes and enjoys the warmth as it soaks through her fur. A shadow glides past her and she opens her eyes, quickly on high alert. She jumps down from the bench and moves closer to the big window to better see. Squirrels are nervously flitting around on the deck outside and leaves are falling from the big oak tree as the wind shakes them loose. The tabby watches them all with suspicion and a hint of delight, mesmerized by the dance of nature taking place before her eyes. A bird flies past breaking her out of her reverie and she’s stung by a sudden pang of longing. How she’d love to be outside in the middle of the dance instead of inside merely watching it. Yes, this house is warm and comfortable and familiar, but out there is different and unknown and exciting. If only she could have both. She drops her head in acknowledgment of the impossibility of this thought. She loves her home and her people and this is enough: more than enough really. With that satisfying thought to comfort her, she jumps up on the bed and curls up against the pillow with the soft satin cover. She lets out a little sigh and closes her eyes as contentment lulls her to sleep.