Diary of a Quarantined Cat: Day 8

I miss Nemo. I saw him on the neighbor's porch the other day, but he didn't stop by to say hi. I tapped on the window to try to get his attention, and for a moment it seemed like he would turn around, but then he just walked away.

I was so sure that Nemo wanted to be with me, but I think he liked that I was trapped inside. It was safe; he always knew where to find me, and yet he still had his freedom to leave and live his own life.

I wonder what it would be like to be an outdoor cat. Nemo talks about it like it's so scary and hard out there. He says that sometimes the shower turns on everywhere, and there's no jumping out of the tub. He says there are dogs and raccoons, and other cats who aren't very nice. Maybe that's why the humans have been inside so much lately. Maybe they just had enough of that crazy outside world; if you stay inside, you never have to be surprised, you maintain control.

I told Nemo that control is an illusion, and that staying inside won't solve anything - that it will just cause more anxiety in the long run. He looked surprised, and said that maybe I was right.

That was weeks ago. I miss those conversations.