Plop.

Rainer used the mighty force of his tiny back paws to leap and land in my lap. The cheeky little tuxedo tomcat knows precisely what he wants — and at this moment, it was snuggling close to me and getting pets. Adoringly, his handsome face looked up, begging my fingers to move.

Huh.

Frowning, I began to stroke his shimmering fur. You see, Rainer is a semi-stray cat looked after — getting fed and checked up — by a community in Southern Spain. He's promiscuous in the best way, giving affection to several selected people he learned to be trustworthy.

Since we started to spend the "hard" Atlantic winters in his neighborhood, he liked to move in with us. This year, he'd arrived with two deep wounds and matted hair. But he blossomed after three weeks of good food, proper medication, brushing, a safe space to sleep, playtime, and cuddles.

Your timing is spot on again, Rainer, I thought. When I was ready to start working on my notebook, you'd plop down on my lap, leaving me incapable of doing anything productive. Like a furry exclamation mark, warm on my skin, only one kind of economics mattered now: The exchange of love.

Purr.

A deep rumbling sound was traveling through Rainer's whole body, indicating his happiness and approval of my tender strokes. I brought out all the good stuff: Head and ear rubs, chin caresses, back and bum pats. The cat melted under my fingers, stretching himself with relish.

The purring grew more intense until his whole body was vibrating. A sound so comforting and powerful that I felt my heart rate slowing down, easing myself into relaxation. No wonder cat owners live longer, I mused.

Ping.

A message appeared on my mobile and broke the spell. Or was it a push notification from one of my too many apps? I could only guess. Rainer was blissfully resting on my seated legs, and there was no way to get up and reach for the smartphone. But how intelligent is this device anyway, I thought, to interrupt such a moment of shared joy? Stupid technology. Duh.

Getting a sip of that freshly brewed coffee would be nice, though, or grabbing my new art book on the table and reading a bit… Longingly, I stared at both, my cat-caressing hands pausing mere seconds. Whoops.

Instantaneously, Rainer noticed my laziness, opened his eyes, and stared at me. Alright, my feline master, I'll continue. Your whim is my command.

Sigh.

I gave up to seek any distractions, and I gave in to my cat (who belongs only to himself). Okay, let this moment be ours only. We would sit together, me petting you, you purring for me. Eventually, non-ignorable responsibilities would call me, but not yet, not now. And your hunger, zoomies, or bizarre cat-ness will kick in. Let's wait and see who is going to move first.

Rainer flicked his ears. Can cats feel when your intentions to deal with nonsense activities are finally crumbling? Wait, was he smirking?!

La-de-dah, lady. Probably, this was what that nonchalant cat was thinking. Buckle up, buttercup; life is too short not to be enjoyed to the fullest. I want it, and you want it, too. So, let the cuddling session commence!

Damn, this cat carpe-diem-ed like crazy.

Maybe he was the reincarnation of the Roman poet who invented the wise advice to seize the day. Or, more likely, animals are better at focusing on the here and now and one task only.

Purr, purr, purr.

The tuxedo cat felt my new-found commitment to petting him.

Gleefully, he purred as loud as a lawn mower and lulled me further into relaxation. My hands brushed his jet-black fur in slow motion before my fingers admiringly had to trace the white markings on his beautiful face. Eyes beaming, I booped his pink nose, counted the three black dots on it, marveled at his cute toe beans, and watched him flex his paws.

Body resting, hands busy, my mind started to wander, to roam freely. Random thoughts were appearing in front of my inner eye:

"A lap appears only if you sit and disappears again if you stand!"

"Wow, it does feel good just to breathe deeply, the oxygen filling my lungs."

"Those raindrops created a stunning pattern on the windows."

The world was passing by outside, the skies crying, the wind blowing, seagulls circling, and the ocean raging in front of our beach house. Luckily, the cat and I were snuggled up inside, not by chance but by choice.

I felt super alive, present, and fully immersed in the moment.

Mwah.

With a short flick of his tongue, Rainer the cat kissed my hand.

Well done, human.

Finally, you get it.

Thank you for reading!