She showed up in my yard, calm and easy as though she was meant to be there, or had always been there. Maybe she had. I always wanted a cat to find me. She looked like a mini Maine Coon, deep grays and browns striped symmetrically around her face and body in long tufts, like a lion. But she was small, a perfect fit for a lap. I saw her in the yard. She saw me. We made eyes and I knew she was there for me, to find me. We walked toward each other.
When she was at my feet, she said, we’re in this together. Follow me.
I followed, watching her fur bounce and flow in the wind of her walk. Everything else fell away. I remembered then that once you put the thing you want out into the world, all you have to do is wait for it to come to you.