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An older man in glasses reads a folded letter while a calico cat sleeps with her head on his knee beside a mug. 5 / 39

Otis Read an Old Letter Slowly. Clementine Stayed Right by His Knee.

AI imagecalico catgrandpaquiet morning

Otis has found a letter, its paper soft and worn from being folded and unfolded, and he is reading it by the window with his glasses perched low. A mug of coffee sits on the little table beside him, a second pair of glasses waiting next to it, and a tangle of knitting peeks out behind. Clementine has made herself part of the moment. She is draped over a blanket on his lap, her calico head resting heavily against his knee, eyes closed, one white front paw hanging loose. The light is gray and gentle, and nobody in the room is in a hurry.

Cats are famous for choosing the person who is sitting quietly, and a calm reader makes an ideal pillow. Napping close to a favorite person is a sign of trust, because cats sleep deeply only when they feel safe. Adult cats commonly sleep a large part of the day, so a snooze on someone's leg can last a long time. If you need to get up, try sliding a folded blanket under her as you move, which helps avoid startling her awake. Keep hot drinks well away from the edge of the table where a stretching cat might knock them over. It is also worth keeping a soft blanket nearby, so the cat has a cozy spot of her own when your lap is no longer available.

Whatever the letter says, Otis reads it slowly, and the weight on his knee keeps him company. Some quiet mornings do not need anything more than a good page, a warm cup, and a sleeping cat.

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