Roodie

I remember the fire before I remember anything else.

The heat. The smoke. The way I couldn't breathe.

Before that, life wasn't much kinder. I was forgotten more than I was loved-left without food, without comfort, without a name that meant anything. I learned to stay quiet, to take up as little space as possible, hoping someone might notice me.

No one ever did.

Until the day everything burned.

I don't know how I survived. I only know that when I woke up, I was hurting... and still alone.

But not for long.

Someone found me. Someone gentle. They gave me a name-Roodie-and for the first time, it sounded like I mattered. I didn't understand it, but I leaned into it anyway. I still do. I purr even when it hurts, I follow close, I love as much as I can... because I still believe people can be kind.

Even now, my body carries what I've been through. I need ongoing care, a little extra patience, a little extra love.

I worry I might be too much.

But I hope I'm not.

Because I'm still that same cat-soft, affectionate, and full of love-just waiting for someone who won't forget me this time.