This book is dedicated to...

Luna and Misha - the coolest cats ever

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/agwktnkn3wx2

You're probably thinking, "Well this is going to be weird," and it probably is, but we're all weird in ways of our own. I could tell you a cliche love story, but we've all heard more than enough of those. This love story is different.

Love is limitless; there are so many different ways in which it can exist. Sure, we can all learn to love a hobby, a career, a sport... but none of those things will ever love us back. Then there are friends, family, and even significant others that care about us the way we care about them, but still, there are times when we are forced to be alone. People have lives of their own, they can't be there for us in every waking moment that we need them. After all, we are only human.

... That is the beauty in having a cat (or two).

It all started five years ago when my sister, Kayci, brought home a kitten that was born in her friend's barn. Her name was Luna and we just clicked. Even though she was my sister's kitten, she clung to me in a special way. I fed her every day and she slept with me every night. When Kayci went off to college (VCU), she left Luna at home with me, and from that day on, I officially considered her to be my own.

The four long years I spent in high school were tough; I never seemed to pick the right friends, so I decided that taking some time to myself wouldn't be the worst idea. Every day after school, I looked forward to going home to relax and see my cat. It sounds corny, but no matter what kind of day I was having, Luna was always my pick-me-up. It was like she knew when I was upset, stressed, or sick; she knew when to nudge me, lay her paws on me, or cuddle up with me and take a nap. I had a bond with her that I had never had with anyone or anything else... who cares if she was just a cat? I didn't, and she was so much more than that to me.

Luckily, I survived high school and couldn't wait to start fresh in college. Obviously, I chose VCU, and was blessed to be able to live in an apartment with my sister. I knew what to expect somewhat before coming to Richmond, but I wasn't ready to leave my family behind, especially not my Luna. Of course I couldn't drag my family along, but I could drag my cat... and I did. I couldn't live without her. I didn't feel too bad for taking her on a new journey - she would have a new friend in RVA. Kayci ended up getting a new cat (after abandoning Luna) at the end of her junior year. This time, it was hairless, and she named her Misha.