You are new to me. You look different, you smell different, I don't know how you move. I look at you intently, not blinking, crouched far away. Despite what you may think, I am not aloof... the truth is, I'm afraid. I need time to get to know you, to make a permanent impression in my mind of you. When we meet again, I will touch you, stand near you, bask in your presence. I love without reservation or pretense. I am a loner but not lonely. I am part of your life but fiercely independent. I am always excited to see you, but you must know me to be aware of it. My emotions run deep, but they are mostly hidden from all but those closest to me. I am proud, and easily wounded. Treat me with care, for I will be your most loyal friend. Those that see me as fickle do not understand me. I crave consistency and peace. If your mood changes, I am slow to change with it. You will never know a love as strong as what I have to give, though sometimes I give it quietly, from across the room. I am strong yet reserved. I will never fight if I can help it. I will always prefer to run from danger to myself, but I will fight to my last breath to defend you. No one will ever harm you, unless they come through me first. I eat when I am hungry, I sleep when I am tired, I go where I want to go. My rules are my own, my life is my own. I will gladly share all I have with you, including the path of my life, but we can only go down the road together where our paths meet. Don't try to fit me into your mold, for I will never do that to you. I love you as you are, I would never wish you to be anything else. When we part, I will gaze at you, and remember everything about you. I will walk away quietly, because every parting is the final one. I leave knowing that we may never meet again. I leave without sorrow, and our next meeting will be filled with joy and excitement. You are my world, and my life. I am a cat.