The End of the Day


The day was coming to an end as Catherine began to wake up. As always, the familiar smell of basement damp filled her nostrils. After decades of waking up to this scent, it no longer bothered her; she had grown accustomed to it. However, it was a constant reminder of her surroundings.



Catherine lived in a small room located in the basement of an abandoned house. Previously, a homeless person had occupied this space, leaving behind some furniture and remnants of a life once lived. The walls were partially covered with old, worn wallpaper, and if one listened closely, the rustling of insects could sometimes be heard behind it.



Awakening


As she fully awoke, Catherine stretched like a cat and sat up on the mattress. She pondered what the day would hold for her. The thirst for blood, which occasionally gnawed at her, was not a pressing concern at the moment. After a successful hunting expedition the night before, she could afford a few peaceful days.



A Feline Companion


Turning slightly to her left, Catherine noticed she was not alone in the room. A cat sat beside her, its eyes intently fixed on her. Catherine had a deep affection for cats; they were her most trusted companions. Throughout her nearly five hundred years of existence, many cats had graced her life, but she had long ceased to name them. Naming a cat often led to attachment, and the pain of losing them was something she wished to avoid.



As if mirroring her thoughts, the cat stood up and stretched, just like Catherine had moments earlier. It walked over to her, and she smiled, saying, "You and I look alike." Rising to her feet, she continued, "Ahead of us is another day of our lives. Let's go; it's already dark. It's time to go outside."



Heading Out


With that, the two of them made their way toward the exit, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.