A Cat Named Squeaks

"Mommy…. Daddy….Where are you?" I called out. I’m scared, hungry, and lonely and I don't like this feeling.

I don’t like this at all. Normally when I wake up, my mommy and daddy are there. But today, something feels off. I can’t put my paw on it, but I just know something isn’t right.

I start to look at my surroundings and think to myself. Why am I outside in a box near a Pear Tree? What happened to our house? Where are my mom and dad?

It's going to be dark soon and I don’t want to be alone in the cold. My belly starts to rumble as I start to cry.

Where could they be? How could they forget about me? Was it because I knocked over my water bowl last night?

I didn’t mean for that to happen. It was an accident. I promise.

Mommy and daddy were fighting last night, the screaming hurt my ears so I tried to dunk my head in the water to soften the yelling. I didn’t mean for the water to get everywhere. I just wanted the fighting to stop.

I got nervous when I realized I couldn't breath normal under water. I tried to breathe in and water got up my nose. The water hurt my nose, so I quickly jerked my head, to stop the pain. As a result, water got everywhere and it accidentally sprayed my mom.

“Squeaks! What are you doing?” she screams.

“I’m sorry mommy, it was an accident.” I start to cry. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, my ears were hurting from the yelling.”

“Here you go again! Making things up to start trouble.” she screams. “Why can’t you be like your sister, she causes no problems, has no issues, and doesn’t do stupid things like this!”

“I’m sorry Mommy!”

“Go to your room, now!” she screams.

I start to cry as I remember our last conversation. It’s all my fault. I was so stupid for knocking over the water bowl last night. I should have been like my sister and just gone to my room. My sister's method of protecting herself is shutting everyone out while mine focuses on finding creative solutions even if they are flawed. My "solutions" don't always work out in the moment, but I love that I'm willing to try. I'm not scared to make mistakes. Mistakes are opportunities to learn.

Looking back, putting my head under water was a dumb idea. I didn’t think it all the way through. Breathing under water was a crucial detail that I missed. I will note this, for future reference, when putting your head in something, you should make sure you can breath while doing it.

It’s dark now, and I start to drift off to sleep. My mind rumbles with endless thoughts, as I try to fight my sleepiness. I hope my mommy and daddy find me so I can go back home.

I promise, I won’t knock over the water bowl again.

Another day comes and goes, still no mommy or daddy. I’m very worried at this point. But I’m also very hungry. I can eat bugs, right? I wish mommy and daddy were here to help. At this point, I don’t care if it’s not safe to eat. I’m starving. I feel bad for needing to eat bugs since they are animals too.

Maybe I just need to cry louder, I thought to myself. Maybe if I’m louder mommy and daddy will find me and take me back home. I make noise wherever I go. Doesn’t anyone care that I’m alone and scared? I think to myself. Being loud and using my voice is my only hope for survival. It’s my only way out. I tell anyone who will listen, that I’m looking for my mommy and daddy. I describe what they look and let them know to come find me near the Pear Tree, if they see anyone who matches their description.

I do what’s necessary to get by. It’s not easy, but I know if I keep pushing that they will find me. Survival mode is a hard place to be. You have to make tough decisions, ones that you wouldn't normally make, if you were in a loving and safe environment.

I’m slowly getting the hang of hunting bugs, even though I don't agree with it. I don't want to hurt another animal, but I also need to eat to survive. I have made hunting bugs a fun game. I entice them with pretty leaves, and when they come to explore my homemade traps, I pounce. I make a promise to the bugs that when I’m out of survival mode that I’m going pay back my debts and take care of them.

I also know where all the best spots for water are. My favorite is the pond behind the barn. I like to hang out with the cows while grabbing a drink at the watering hole. Their stories make me laugh and I forget about my troubles.

With the cows, I feel like family, I feel safe around cows. I think they take pity on me because I’m so small and always alone. But I don’t care, it’s the only comfort I have at the moment.

“Hey Squeakie Girl” Says Barbie. “How ya doing baby” “Mommy and daddy back yet.”

“Hey Barbie!” as I give her a hug. “No, not yet!”

“Sugar, please come stay with us, we got extra room in our barn, it wouldn’t be a bother at all!”

“Thank you Miss Barbie, I appreciate the offer, but what if Mommy and Daddy are looking for me, and I’m not at the Pear tree. What if they can’t find me!”

“Ok Squeaky girl, if you ever change your mind, you are welcome any time.”

“Thanks again! I’ve got to get going, Today is the day my mommy and daddy will find me. I just know it!”

I make my way back to my box near the Pear Tree before sunset. I don’t like to be away from my box at night. I take comfort in my tiny dwelling because it’s all I have. The nights are the hardest, it’s when I’m scared the most. I lost count of the days that I’m without my mommy and daddy. It’s just how life is now. I don’t give up hope though.

Hope is all I have left, I've become accustomed to this life now. The best parts of my day are my conversations with Barbie. I feel loved around her. She makes sure I’m safe and I know she sends the birds to check on me. I can see their watchful eyes every night and day. In a way, I’m happy she does this. It feels nice to have someone care for me.