Farmhouse Diaries - A Quiet Afternoon

 Farmhouse Diaries

A Quiet Afternoon

"Where have you been Gary?" asked Milo.

 

Gary didn’t answer. He walked past silently and sat on a small patch of hay scattered on the ground. He settled on it slowly, self-absorbent, licking his paw.

 

Milo was worried, for this was one of Gary's very rare moods which crept over him when he was truly unhappy. Was he chased away? Did someone trick him? Gary was not the sort of cat who got upset easily. He was a gentle wandering soul with a bright, steady spirit. The only thing Milo felt certain was that Gary didn't wish to talk about it.

 

He padded closer and sat down beside him, not saying anything, but watching Gary lick away the dirt from his fur, wishing that he could brush away the hurt from his heart too.

 

Gary felt Milo's quiet worry. He sighed - a deep heavy sigh, the kind that said "I'm tired, but still fine." He gazed off into the distance and said softly "the world can wear you off sometimes, Milo. You try to be kind and warm, but the world can be really mean. And you start to wonder, whether there is any room in this bustling place to hold feelings as big as kindness and love". He paused thoughtfully as though searching for the right kind of words - those gentle words, that wouldn't sadden anyone but still carry the weight of what he felt.

 

Milo inched a little closer, glad to hear Gary speak at last. It meant his mood was passing. Seeing Gary sad made him sad too. Without waiting for Gary to finish, he replied in his gentle tone, “That’s when you look to your friends, Gary. You peek inside their hearts, and you find even bigger spaces there - spaces big enough to hold all your love, all your kindness and every good thing you carry. And you can be sure those things will be treasured safely inside, forever."

 

He gave Gary a loving lick.

 

Gary turned to Milo with a soft warm smile - a brave sort of smile, rising gently from a heart still carrying its little bruises.

 

"And often," Gary whispered, "it takes only a moment to feel better, when you are with the right ones...the ones who truly care. And suddenly, you start to feel real good and your heart feels light all again."

 

The two friends sat together for a long time, not saying much - for words were seldom needed when hearts spoke.

 

"I've saved you a treat" Milo said, "Aunt Susan tried one of her Chicken Pot Pie recipes yesterday, and I got a crumb. I've kept it safe for you". Gary's eyes lit up. How blessed it is he to have a friend like Milo!

 

"How can I stay sad when I'm with you?" he said gratefully.

 

And so, the two friends walked towards Rosewood farm, arm in arm, paw in paw towards the lovely treat that finds its way to the fortunate few, every now and then.

Story by Solin Stanling