My Cookie

 It's great to see how life, for the most part, takes very unimaginable turns, and yet, at the end of the line, changes us wholly. Cookie, that small kitten with a big heart, greater than her personality in comparison to her size, really managed to leave a deep imprint on my heart. 

The 26th of October 2021 marked a day quite chipper, as I welcomed a new friend called Cookie into my world. An adorable little thing, the feline was just 27 days old, her eyes charming and lovable, much like her namesake. She represents the breed of cat dwarfs, which are defined by small size and tremendous character. 

Taking Cookie into my place wasn't just taking 

in a pet; it was taking in a new member of the family. It was full of amazing energy from 

once, that much I could tell. There was never a dull moment whilst she was being so cheeky 

and carefree. Cookie, who might have been petite in proportions, had with her a curious 

mind, partial to cheeky humor, and with an immense lack of fear. However, as life always 

has a way of throwing curve-balls at us, in 2023, I stumbled into my very own curve-ball 

that I had not seen coming. With these, the very hard decision had to be made to leave 

Cookie under the care of my aunt. This was the best decision with Cookie in mind, for her to 

get the attention and care that she needed when I was not in a capacity to provide it. 

Living without Cookie has been very tough. The silence in those parts of the house where she would play is just another constant reminder of her not being here, but forever in everybody's faces. In the silence of the night, I long to hear the tap of her little paws on the floor, and the rumble of her fur. Every time I meet her, it is that bittersweet feeling of meeting each other again, happy to be with her again, yet sad to part.

My aunt recently intimated that the condition of Cookie is getting worse. She has both kidneys gone; it is something very serious. It is a very sad piece of information, for it makes one realize how very fragile life can be, especially for such a small and priceless creature like Cookie. However, against all these odds, she time and again shows a sense of powerful tenacity. Even though she is sick, a lot. 

She puts obstacles in front of everyone but is always determined to face everything. Cookie's resolute behavior towards illness has been really inspirational. Time with her is always priceless, either in her company or in thought. Even her serious health issue deepens our bond to a greater level. This just goes on to show that a bond between human beings and cats can get stronger than friendship, a deeper and more meaningful bond, and here is a story as proof of it.

Thanks to Cookie, I have learned a lot. Resilience stands to boldly stand against conquering adversity. This goes to show that in everything, cats will offer unwavering love. Though miles apart, her strength of will and resilience touch my life daily. My mother has taught me endless lessons about how to be patient and pay attention, especially in appreciating small joys coming your way. In my suffering, I simply draw strength and joy from Cookie. The world's kindness is realized and brought forth by her indomitable determination and focus. There's no distance that can create a distance between us, even oceans. For every visit I make over there, it's just refreshing to the soul and gives strength to the bonds between us. 

My twofold purpose in telling Cookie's story: first, to show the heartache of separation and my worry over the cat's welfare and second, to show the tremendous joy and enrichment cats bring into our lives. They shower their undying love on us, console us, and teach us the never-give-up attitude. And he who is the owner of a dog is supposed to appreciate every minute with that dog. They could not even deny the beauty that cannot be denied and the bond between domesticated animals and their human caregivers, very different.

Cookie may be a little one and sick, but the mark she had left in my life is large, like the universe itself. She would always be my dearest Cookie, teaching me life in its simplest form, no matter what lies in the future. My love for her knows no bounds. My fur baby, who will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

Name: Sayed Kamran Ahammed 

ID: 23303023