An unexpected loss...

Einstein came down the hill this morning with a small finch in his mouth - the black and white striped head was sharply contrasted against the muted color of his fur. I had a brief moment of hope, could it be alive? Maybe it was just stunned? I waited and watched closely - nothing. Laying there on top of the deep green of the grass he was even more vibrant.

I started to cry, tears rolling down my face. I questioned the cat, "how could you do this?"- already knowing, killing this little creature was as natural to him as breathing.

I gently picked up the body. It was as light as holding a handful of cotton balls - to just throw it away seemed so wrong. So I sketched him as a memorial, then gently placed it in a plastic bag to dispose of.

I cried openly and it amazed me how openly and easily I could cry. For me it was an unexpected sadness - another loss.