‘You have to belong to someone, can you possibly tell me who?’ she asked the animal, who simply blinked in response. ‘It would be so much easier if you could talk.’ The cat turned its attention back to its food, apparently deciding that its future feeding and housing situation was Hannah’s problem. ‘I think I might miss you though,’ she mumbled. ‘You’ve been a good friend to me this last while.’
She momentarily thought about calling back down to Julie to find out if anyone in the building had mentioned or reported a missing pet. But just as quickly decided against it, once again fearful of causing more problems or creating unnecessary headaches when all seemed so settled just now. Then another thought occurred to her.
It was risky, but at this point, what had she got to lose?
Grabbing a piece of paper and a pen, she sat back down at the counter.
OK, so he might go crazy again and refuse to have anything to do with the cat. But at the very least, she definitely owed her neighbour a goodbye.
P-1,
I’m sorry I haven’t written lately – I’ve had a lot going on and have been keeping to myself. Been dealing with some really challenging work stuff, which spilled over into the personal. Which sadly is why I’m writing today.
She was tired of reliving the sorry saga over and over in her head and worse watching it all unfold repeatedly in the media, but she had been so open with Ed up until this point, it felt wrong not to be honest about why she was leaving the building.
It’s time for me to leave this place. Now, before you throw a going-away party …
Jokes aside, I just wanted to say that I have so enjoyed our back-and-forth while here, it was nice to have a confidant and sounding board, and finally someone appreciative of my baking talent (or lack thereof). I’d like to think that we got to know each other a bit too. So I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.
I suppose you’re wondering why I have decided to go then.
The truth is … I have screwed up. Big. Huge. Enormously terrible. I originally moved here from Los Angeles because I needed to start anew. But somehow my problems followed me across the country.
I was running from a bad relationship – one I now realize I shouldn’t have been in in the first place. My idiot ex went so far as to show up at a big event here in the city and start a public fight in front of all of the cameras with a (now former) client of mine. All you have to do is turn on the TV if you want to see what I’m talking about. He’s a scary guy and he even showed up here uninvited one time …
I’m getting off track. Sorry.
But I’m not leaving to get away from him this time. Seems he’s finally got his comeuppance. I’m leaving because I made the same mistake.
And have fallen (again!) for someone I shouldn’t have.
Except this other man is a world apart from my ex, one of the best I’ve ever known. If it weren’t for the fact that he needed my professional help, I would have never met him … and I definitely wouldn’t have fallen in love with him. I would feel like a fool if he knew about how I felt about him – especially since he’s with someone else.
So I need to leave because it would be a special type of torture to know that I might just run into him getting coffee one morning, or bump into him elsewhere by accident. For as big as this city is, you and I both know it can also be very small.
The one thing I am happy about though, is that I know he’s going to be OK. He doesn’t need my help anymore – his star is on the rise and everything I’d ever hoped for him has come to fruition. The world finally sees him as I do.
I owe some of that to you, believe it or not. A while back you gave me some key advice (and dare I say practice?) in handling ahem …uniquemen. So thank you. But now, I have one more thing I need to ask of you – a parting favour.
There’s this stray cat that’s been coming around since I’ve been here – getting in through a window or a vent or something. Honestly, I’m not sure. It just pops in and out whenever it feels like it. Remember the unknown culprit who set off the media system that time? Two guesses.
It must belong to someone in this building or another close by. The problem is, I have been feeding it, so I’m concerned about its welfare once I’m gone.
Do you think you could maybe keep an eye out for it? I have some food that I can leave outside your door if you agree. Again, I’d really appreciate it. It’s been kind of a friendto me too lately, and since I know for sure you have a good heart it would help ease my mind.
So that’s about it. It truly has been a pleasure corresponding with you like this, Ed. I hope you have a great life and that the special person you mentioned appreciates you.
My one regret is that we didn’t get the chance to meet in person. I just hope I was a good neighbour to you while I was here. And if not, please don’t take it out on Courtney when she returns. She’s a sweet and incredibly generous person who was good enough to lend me a place to lick my wounds after my last disaster, and if you take the opportunity to get to know her as you and I have, I know she will be an even better neighbour in the long run.
So that’s it. Not exactly sure where I’m going to end up next but know that I will always think of you fondly. And perhaps our paths may even cross again sometime. In this town, you just never know. Only in New York.
P-2 (The Temporary Version)
Another loose end tied up, but Hannah was surprisingly emotional as she signed off. Her nerves were frayed to pieces these days.
She looked at the cat, who was now finished eating and had been sitting on the floor, staring up at her as if wondering what she had written.
‘He’s a bit of a grump who takes time to warm up to, but I’m sure he’ll do the job until your owner comes looking for you, or you just decide to make your way home. Or maybe you two will be the perfect match.’
