There is a new love story developing in my house. It is all about Esmé and our cat Chicken. 

At 13, Chicken is chronologically a pretty old man these days. He was always sort of a grumpy guy, even as a kitten. So when Esmé arrived I assumed he would spend his time as far away from her as possible…looking at us as though we had lost our minds for bringing her into the house. In reality, however, he has always been concerned about her–not as concerned as he is about the bottom of his food bowl showing but, still, concerned when she cries or seems unwell.
 
She never paid him very much mind though. We sort of gathered that she couldn’t really see him well since he often stayed close but not in her clearest vision range. If he happened to be nearby she might swipe at him getting a handful of hair before he wiggled away, trying to protect himself from her terrifyingly strong fingers. Otherwise she seemed to never notice him (or our other cat, Emmet who wants nothing to do with Esmé).
 
But we have been noticing some improvement in her sight and all-round awareness lately, and, as she is interacting more with new people and things, we have also been talking with her quite a bit about being gentle with living things. This has resulted in her appearing to recognize Chicken more, and has also increased the length of time Chicken feels safe around her.
 
And, slowly, they have started to become buddies…her rolling over to him, him coming close to rub up against her. Her grasping at his tail and letting it run through her hand as he goes by, him trusting her to pet the top of his head (oh so close to his eyes!).
 
Yesterday Esmé’s nurse, Miss Denise, sent me this picture of Esmé and Chicken.
 
Apparently they stayed like this for quite some time…him purring and rubbing up against her leg…her, well, not kicking him as she might with a toy at her feet.
 
This morning he was near her on the rug. I said “Ez, where’s your cat?” and she looked up at him and smiled. He got up–arthritis showing–and moved within her arms reach so she could touch him.
 
Now that is love.