I am ex-haus-ted, everytime i get to borrow this vessel, all I want to do is sleep.
But sadly, right now? Not an option.
Why, you ask?
Because this girl has been running after me to get my picture (and probably cuddle after —we know them) When I don't even know her!
I was in the garden of our neighbors, Mary and Jay, trying to have a well-deserved nap while my human, Jace, was out working. Peaceful, right? Until this girl comes out of nowhere, shouting over the fence, asking the neighbors if she could take a picture of me for her mom. I mean…Okay.
First of all, who is this comfortable staring into someone's garden while they're minding their own business to ask this kind of question? And second, why did she open the fence as if it was her backyard?
Am I some kind of fluffy celebrity to you? Humans, in general, struggle with setting boundaries, but this? This is next-level!
Anyway… I jumped out of the garden and ran in the street to save my sweet neighbors from this energetic human tornado —You're welcome, Mary and Jay.
They are this kind, elderly couple, who never say ''no'' to anyone. Always ready to help, always willing to chat about whatever nonsense people bring their way. They are believers and show that in the most beautiful way — kindness just radiates off them.
For me, it is about peace. They respect my space, don't try to smother me and leave me alone to nap in their garden.
But for this energetic soul chasing after me? It's about offering up my peace and I never agreed to that.
After a little detour to the park I climbed a tree to get away from her and observe her from above.
She's the bright type of person. Long curly hair, modestly dressed with a simple jean and a t-shirt, and sneakers that look like they've lived multiple lives — and maybe died a few times. She is simple but with way too much energy for me to handle right now.
I was thinking about taking a quick nap on this branch— it is not a bad spot honestly— but then I imagined her hanging around waiting for me, calling after me and who knows maybe asking for help —or worse—climbing up here to get me. No, thank you.
I take a quick look around the park and guess who is sitting three benches away?
Jace.
Of course. Every day, before going back home, he comes here alone to smoke. It's his little ritual, his moment of quiet reflection. He gets lost in his thoughts, wandering through the past and the future in that complicated head of his.
This park means more to him than he'd ever admit.
It's filled with warm childhood memories, moments of peace and tiny fragments of happiness he clings to.
The atmosphere is also very calming. The trees form secret little hideaways with their tangled branches, and the flowers near the fountain add a softness to the air. And when the sun filters through the leaves, it creates this secret, cozy space that feel like it belongs to him.
It's the perfect place for him to be desperately smoking…alone.
This habit is on my list.
He doesn't realize it yet, but every smoke feels like watching him slip just a little further away for himself.
He's sad, so he smokes.
Easy to understand.
Hard to stop.
I leap down from the tree, landing gracefully in my favorite hiding spot—my sweet bushy. Don't judge me, okay? It's just behind Jace's bench. Start to understand now?
I feel the excitement buzzing through this little body.
And that's where things get interesting. I could just quietly curl up and enjoy the view… or…
I could jump on his back, scare him, and get a reaction—but no. Too easy.
Instead, I leap onto the bench beside him and deliver a light slap to his hand with my powerful paw.
Did it startle him? Not in the slightest. But it earns me a warm, familiar look—the kind that says ''There you are, little troublemaker''.
That's the goal. Not to hurt—just to remind him I'm here.
''Here you are, little guy!'' The curly-haired girl's voice echoes through the park.
I told you this habit was on my list.