Happy Fall Y’all! This is my entry for the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy contest.
The Empty Spot
196 words, Image 5, Picture Book category
This used to be our spot. On dark nights when the moon was full, we’d dash past Rachel’s feet and scurry up this tree. Full moons were always the best—especially when drifting clouds made it look like cheese. Sometimes, on nights like this, we would reminisce about the pranks we’d pulled or the ham we’d snitched from Rachel’s sandwich when she left it unattended for a minute. She loved us anyway. Even when she called us “her little stinkers.” Some nights we just sat, and rubbed our necks together.
I remember the day Rachel brought us home from the rescue in a cardboard box. She’d only planned for one cat, but ended up bringing us home together. Last week he stopped eating. When Rachel walked in the door with the empty carrier, I’d paced and paced. “I’m so sorry,” she’d said. Where was he? When would he be back?
Tonight, I sit alone. One, in a spot made for two. My purr is stuck somewhere in my chest. I wonder if it will ever come again?
I stare at the same moon. I sit in the same place. But nothing is the same. Not anymore.
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Thank you, Melissa, truly. This is so beautiful, great foreshadowing and wonderful job hitting the raw emotion. I cried. This really hits home for me as our cat was a rescue and we had to out her down over a year ago and we still miss her every day. My husband refuses to get a new pet because it was hard on us and knows she can’t be replaced. If this is based in a true story, I’m so sorry for your loss, and if you’re willing, I’d love to know his name.
melissamiles1
Thank you so much for your kind words. We’ve lost a beloved pet and I’ve lost my dad and sister within the past three years. Loss is a universal experience. The image with the cat made me feel lonely, so that’s the direction the story took for me. Thank you for all your hard work putting this contest together!
melissamiles1
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious pet. 🙁
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Thank you! You too, my friend, you too
Cathy C. Hall
Oh, Melissa, loss, huh? “One, in a spot made for two.” That kinda got me choked up, girl.
(But…wheee! Congrats on your win! There just wasn’t any way to segue from that to this. We shall hug it out when next we meet! 🙂 )
melissamiles1
Thanks! I’ve lost my sister and dad in the past 3 years, so loss is on my mind right now, I guess. 🙁
melissamiles1
Thank you for reading and commenting. 🙂