Dear Willow (and Naya),

I have lost more than just two cats, I have lost my foot-warmer, my electric blanket, my lap pillow, and my tv-watching companion. I am no longer distracted by plaintive meows when I watch Netflix or do my homework in bed. I find that I am actually less productive. It turns out that periodic cat-petting breaks are good for productivity.

Every night I search for the warm, furry body that’s supposed to be beside me, only to remember that you’re both back in Florida. And while I know that you have each other, and the rest of the family, to keep you company--I wish you would get a little bit better at facetiming me so I wouldn’t feel so out of the loop.

Each and every time I attempt to facetime you through my brother, you just get confused. You simply don’t understand how the screen works, I know. Still, please stop looking around the house for me when this happens; it hurts my heart.

I look forward to the day when I am reunited with both of you. I hope that you recognize me (you better, I raised you from kittens). In the meantime I shall rely upon second-hand stories of your adventures: the daily stroll to the food bowl, the afternoon nap, the moments when you sit on my bed and look for me, forgetting that I’m not there, just as I forget that you’re not here.

Love always,

Your Human Mother