An Unexpected Visitor

She rubbed her eyes. It felt too early to wake up although the sun shone brightly through the soft curtains. The clock read 8:37. She had slept in, something she hadn't been able to do in a long time. Her mind was grateful and her body ached from the lack of early morning movement that was so typical for her. She laid there, staring up at the ceiling, still hesitant to relieve her aches. The house was too quiet with her husband and kids on an overnight trip.

Finally, she got out of bed and walked into the bathroom, stretching her body. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and went to the bathroom. She ate a bagel with cream cheese and drank a glass of juice for breakfast while finishing the book she had started the night before. Suddenly, she heard a scraping sound at the garage door. Her body tensed and she listened more carefully. All was quiet.

The refrigerator motor kicked in and she relaxed. A moment later, she heard the scraping sound again. It sounded as if someone was dragging a stick across the door itself. She took in a deep breath, setting her cup down carefully, but keeping her book open. She exhaled and then stood up slowly. The scraping sound became more urgent.

Uncertainty filled her mind as she walked with hesitant steps to the door. She placed her hand around the door handle, grasping it firmly, and placed her face within an inch of the door, listening intently. Nothing. Slowly, she opened the door and peered around its edges. The cool morning breeze brushed across her legs and fluttered the bottom of her nightshirt. She saw nothing.

She could not shake the sense that she had not imagined it and took a tentative step into the garage. She wanted to call out a hello and wanted to remain silent. She wasn't sure who or what was in her garage, but was sure something was there. She waited quietly, her hand still on the door knob. A small plastic storage bucket fell. She startled and looked in that general direction. The bucket lay on the ground, its lid still firmly sealed.

She did not see the stranger approach her from the other side. An unexpected Meow made her jump and scream. The cat scuttled backwards and under the car. He peered out as she placed her hand over her heart and tried to catch her breath. Seconds later, a smile took the place of her panic and she began giggling until her giggle turned into an all out cackle. Meow responded the cat and inched a little closer to her.

"How are you little kitty?" she asked as her deep laughter began to subside. She reached out her hand and the cat cautiously approached. "Sorry about the heart attack sweetie, but all's fair in love and war," she said as the cat sniffed her fingers while she pet it with the other hand.