Chapter 4 - Her name was Sneezy..

I sheepishly looked out the window but this time you had your back turned to me. "Scratchy um.." I saw your paw angrily stick up, I can see you were hurt.

I sighed. "This would be a lot easier if you talked. I'm not a mindreader. I would actually like to get to know you too."

"Me talking all the time, doesn't make me feel close to you and if we are going to bond, we should do it properly."

You turned slowly, still clearly disturbed wiping a tear away with your paw. "Why didn't you just say so? I'm not a mindreader either."

"I didn't realise you wanted me to open up also. I figured you wanted to be the centre of attention."

I scoffed scornfully. "Was that a dig? You know I'm uncomfortable in the spotlight."

"I just mean you looked troubled and I was happy to listen." I shook my head. "Look Scratchy, yesterday wasn't personal, I keep people at a distance for my own peace of mind."

" You have to be patient until I trust you." Scratchy pondered on this and nodded. "Ok, I will do that but don't shut me out."

"I'll tell you about me then. I was always lurking at the window watching your life unfold, seeing the good times and the bad but you never noticed me, which means you never needed me until now."

"I wanted to comfort and support you all those times you were afraid and alone. I wanted you to turn to me. I wanted us to laugh together but you weren't ready to accept me as part of your life."

"I don't know what's changed but here I am and you can ask me anything."

I was not entirely surprised, I sensed a presence but my main focus was on looking internally and trying to survive.

I couldn't help but return to my suspicious ways. "Why are you here?"

"I sense you don't need but want someone on your side."

I begrudgingly nodded. "I didn't ask for you or look for you but maybe you're right. Today was tough. Everything was taxing and seemed like it would never end."

"The more I do, the more the list grows. However I did it all, postponed my appointment, waited for the backlash, none yet, probably tomorrow but that felt good putting my needs first."

"I want to rush through and finish everything but I realise I have to get better first. There is time. I can't push myself more than I have been."

Scratchy looked at me fiercely. "You may not always like what I have to say but it's said with love. There's nothing wrong with slowing down, being vulnerable, opening up or leaning on someone else for strength."

"I know you hate it but it won't always end up with you being cut to shreds."

I shook my head in disbelief. "How do you know?"

This time Scratchy smiled. "I know because you did it before, a long time ago. This isn't the first time we've met."

"We were close friends but then you sorta disappeared from view. It's as though I couldn't reach you. I decided to stick around so if you ever sought me out, I would still be here for you."

I waved Goodbye and wondered if this was the reason I felt close to her.