Epilogue
BEAN
I knew she was my Mama the day I met her.
She found me in the dirt, trying to eat something bitter, and instead filled my belly with warm milk.
She even fed me from a bottle!
After a bath, being wrapped in a warm towel and kisses, she named me Bean, after what I was trying to eat.
And I just knew that was my Mama.
She smells like sweet flowers, and her hair is always soft. She even lets me bat at it, even though I probably shouldn’t.
Mama used to only see me some days, and they were my favorite days.
Now, I live with her.
I have a new, bigger home with plenty of places to scratch and play.
I also have an older brother, Trooper, and a sister, Stella.
Stella hisses at me sometimes when I chase after her too much, but Trooper doesn’t mind.
Mama doesn’t like it when we knock things over though, so I try not to.
She has her own version of purring—she plays music, strumming pretty sounds on strings for me.
I could listen to her all day, perched on my cat tree as she gives me a personal concert.
I also have three dads!
They all smell different, and they all like to sneak me treats and come home with different new toys for me.
Our house is always full. There is always someone to give me pets, scratches, or play with me.
But Mama is my favorite person, ever.
Even when she comes home smelling like other cats, I know it’s because she’s helping them.
I know my Mama has a big heart, and sometimes, it’s so big that she cries.
When she does, I’m right there to purr for her and give her nuzzles. I lick her face until she’s smiling again.
Mama saved me, and now, I get to save her over and over again.
My dads always tell her how proud they are of her, and I wish I could do the same.
Especially when I hear big words like therapy and grounding techniques, and the more I hear those, the less Mama cries.
My favorite times are when Mama smiles.
Because when Mama smiles, then my dads smile, and we get to purr for her together.
Uncle Avery starts showing up more too, along with Auntie Blair and Auntie Piper.
And every time, Trooper, Stella, and I receive pets, treats and new toys.
Mama says we’re spoiled, and I’m not sure what that means, only that when she says it, she smiles and laughs.
Then, one day, I gain two more sisters, Agnes and Lydia, brought over by Auntie Blair.
Our family keeps growing, and I’m so happy to be the big brother to Lydia.
There’s also talk of another cat named Stormie, so I may have another sister soon.
Just like Mama, I love a full house, because there’s always someone to cuddle with.
And while my dads are proud of her, I hope Mama knows I’m proud of her, too.
After all, she saved me.
I know she’d do it again.