It was an ordinary Saturday morning. I planned to go for a walk, and then I would clean the house, cook and relax with a good book. I live on the ground floor in a small house by the lake, surrounded by nature. It is a little paradise, only visited by tourists in summer. I went outside and enjoyed the fresh air, walked on the beach to look for some shells for my grandchild, who loves them.

On my way back home, I noticed from a distance that the house looked darker, there was smoke coming out of the windows. The door was opened. I was scared, I live alone and the only person who has my keys is my son, who was away for business.

I got closer to the house and there was a smell of burned wood and plastic. I don't remember if I was aware of what was going on, but I entered my house. The living room was a mess, there were things scattered all over the floor.

Broken ceramic cups. My shoes. My clothes. In my bedroom all drawers were on the floor, nothing was in order. The safe concealed behind my bedroom door was completely burnt and empty. I kept all my money and family jewels it the safe. Some of them belonged to my grandparents. It was all I had. All gone, lost.

I sat on the bed and called the police. When they arrived one hour later, I was still wearing my walking shoes and jacket. I think I looked like the typical old lady who doesn't know what to do and needs help. I was starting to realize I might become poor. I only get a little pension every month, my jewels and money were meant to help me in case of need.

The police said the thieves used blowtorch to open the safe, that's why there was a strange smell and dark smoke in the house.

That was it, in the evening I was alone again. Shocked. I tried to go to sleep, and the only consolation was to hug my little cat, my companion for two years. She came by my side, rubbing her face on my leg, and suddenly fell on the floor. She couldn't move. That was my worst pain.

I took her and rushed to the veterinary clinic. But I knew she was dead. I lost her by a heart attack, which was due to the gunpowder that remained in the house after the robbery, and fell on her body. She licked it.

I didn't care about all my belongings and about having thieves in my house, I lost my precious love and then I knew I was alone.

This is a true story, that happened to my neighbor. I decided to write it using almost her same words, but I can't write about the tears. She is feeling much better now because she has a new cat, and all neighbors visit her and talk to her. She says she doesn't feel lonely any more.

I hope this article helps you remind that elderly people have their own life and relationships, they love their house and animals, and they are just a little fragile. That's why we need to take care of them and help them share their feelings with us. Once again, we need to talk to each other, and most of all, we need to listen.

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