Felincense

It has been said that cats offer protection in the spiritual realm.

I think of this as I search one last time for my cat Jaya, who’s been lost for 28 days. My lip is chewed raw, as I try not to think about moving to a new home abroad without him.

Instead, I envision myself sprinkling my new apartment with the tap water he lets drip off his nose; capturing the sunshine, laundry-fresh scent of his fur. I’m wearing a ceremonial cloak, as I ward off spirits with every shake of my embossed vessel.

But oh - if he could be there too, that is the only thing I want. I love him so, and can’t bear another day without him. I truly feel, since the day I last nuzzled my nose into his fur, the world has been harder to face. I need the comfort of his purr, and the haze of the warm, sweet scent from the top of his little head - like a diffuser puffing clouds of serenity.

Eyes closed, I recall his ears and little hairs catching sunny rays on a lazy day. As he rests contently, tiny swirls of dust travel through the air, as if an incense cone was nestled atop his fur.

I take a long, deep breath. I open my eyes, and call his name “Jaya!” one more time. From below a neighbor's porch, I spot two eyes peering back at mine, joining me in the solace of safety.