Humphrey: My Wild Orange Kitty

I first lived in the upstairs of a small 1930s house, where the air was thick with nostalgia. Steep stairs led to a second door, which opened to reveal a cozy enclave that felt like a secret world tucked away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The sloped ceilings added a whimsical touch, as if the house itself had settled into a comfortable embrace. The drab white walls and dingy tan carpet had most likely existed since the house was built, telling a silent story of neglect and the passage of time. The starkness of the walls, once perhaps a canvas of fresh paint, had mutated into a canvas of monotony, while the carpet, once a soft and vibrant texture underfoot, now clung to a musty odor and a tinge of wear. Yet, within this dreary decor I saw potential; with a splash of color and a bit of inspiration, these forgotten surfaces could transform from a testament of despair into a vibrant home.

Since I graduated in December with an education degree, I found myself navigating a challenging landscape where job opportunities seemed scarce. Despite my enthusiasm and eagerness to apply my knowledge in the classroom, there just aren't open teaching jobs in the middle of a school year. Therefore, I dedicated my time to substitute teaching opportunities, recognizing the value of staying engaged in education, even if it wasn't in the traditional full-time setting I had envisioned. To pay the rent I also worked behind the register at a Hardee's fast-food joint from four until closing. At first, I found the freedom exhilarating, but eventually it lost its allure, and I grew depressed.

On a seemingly ordinary day at the laundromat, amidst the whirring of washing machines and the steady hum of dryers, a colorful sign caught my eye: "Lonely? Come get a free kitty!" I paused my folding and gazed at the cartoonish depiction of fluffy kittens frolicking. The whimsical picture tapped into the universal charm of feline companionship as a remedy for unwanted solitude. The laundromat, a mundane chore in the rhythm of life, suddenly transformed into a hub of potential joy. I imagined the therapeutic impact of watching a kitten play, its antics providing a much-needed distraction from my worries.

I hurried home after finishing my laundry and called the number from the advertisement. The woman who answered gave me directions to her farm which I carefully jotted down on a scrap of paper. Although it was already late afternoon, I hopped in the car and drove out of Yankton. As I navigated the winding, unfamiliar country roads, a feeling of excitement tinged with anxiety enveloped me. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, unable to shake the uncertainty that I might not be headed to the right place. Tall, golden fields swayed in the breeze, dotted with the occasional grazing livestock, as the sun cast a warm golden glow.

Eventually, I pulled to the side of the road to study the directions. Self-doubt crept in -- had I misheard the directions, or worse, taken a wrong turn somewhere? I tried to have faith as I steered my car back onto the gravel road. Around the next bend, I spied a wooden sign, "Free Kittens Here!" and a wave of relief washed over me. The small house, nestled between two pine trees, seemed to beckon me. Despite the nervous anticipation of being in an unknown place, the promise of my first pet kitten made every ounce of uncertainty worthwhile.

Cautiously, I knocked on the door and was welcomed into a brightly lit farm kitchen. A cute white kitten sat peacefully on the floor; her fur looked as soft as fluffy clouds. I joyfully moved forward to pick it up, but the farm wife stopped me. "This is Snowball. We adore her and have decided she is definitely not for sale despite the tempting offers we have received."

The peaceful scene was suddenly disrupted when a wild orange kitty darted in from the living room. His mischievous eyes sparkled and with a swift leap, he knocked Snowball over, sending her tumbling across the linoleum. A wave of apprehension washed over me. Having never owned a pet before, I couldn't help but wonder if this energetic little creature would be more than I could handle. Despite my reservations, I decided to take a leap of faith and give him a try, hoping that his spirited nature would infuse my life with some much-needed excitement.

As I drove toward home, the excitement of adopting my new furry companion quickly turned to an unexpected flurry of chaos when the little ball of energy decided to express his adventurous spirit by sinking his tiny claws into my lap. With bolt-like reflexes, he clawed at my jeans and then used his sharp little claws to climb my t-shirt. It was a painful initiation into cat-parenthood, and I realized I wasn't prepared for his insatiable curiosity. I detoured to Petco while my mind created a checklist of desperately needed supplies.

I stepped into the cat isle to gather food, litter, treats, and a small scratching post into the cart. I hoped these supplies would create a comfortable haven for my furry baby and help me avoid any future claw-related traumas. By the time I finished my expensive shopping spree, I was a bit frazzled but more prepared to embrace the delightful chaos that would soon become our shared life. Back in the car, I vowed to embrace the uncertainty with an open heart. I envisioned our journey together as a beautiful challenge -- a chance for me to learn and adapt alongside my rambunctious companion.

I named the beast Humphrey. He was a spirited feline who embodied a delightful blend of mischief and affection. From the moment he entered my home, his playful antics transformed even the quietest evenings into lively adventures. Humphrey reveled in his rough-and-tumble play, darting after moving legs or pouncing on unsuspecting slippers. His boundless energy was matched only by his deep affection, for as night descended, he would curl up under my chin seeking warmth in my arms. Each night, his presence brought a comforting weight to the darkness, serving as a reminder of the joy found in his playful spirit—a unique balance that kept me endlessly entertained. Despite his antics, there was an undeniable charm in his exuberance, which melted away my loneliness and depression.