Another First Night

The first night in a new home. A shared existence, but not this night. My roommate, and her dog, are off on a trip. The timing was weird, I admit. I lost a week, or gained a week, well lost a week's rent either her or there. The bed was soft. Too soft? No curtain, a bright light, an anxious cat. At least he slept on the bed, not under it, or quite literally, in it. New noises, but much thicker walls. A howl of a dog, but no snoring. A different room, with new shadows to keep me company. A failed attempt to leap onto the windowsill. The window is now opened more, and he is perched. He rejoins me, but only briefly. The sounds of the garbage truck at 2:18 AM instead of 5:05 or later. A longer, louder visit than that which I am accustomed to. Then a moment of relaxation. His tail stops smacking my foot, that familiar sigh, followed by a soothing purr. We both drift off. That hour, maybe it was two,  feels like an eternity. My eyes open to his face, perched in front of me. Has he necessitated me or simply been kind enough not to disturb? He gently meows, then moves the crown of his head into my face. He is ready and my choice is but one. Join him for our day. Will today and tonight be more of the same or will we find some comfort in this change. The morning gripes are different, less anger, less annoyance, less blame. I think about the not too distant future and hope my next first night is my last, but I know.