i go for a check-up

woman worries when i start to sleep all the time. she takes me for a check-up and the vet has bad news. my kidneys are failing.

i am peeved. i am old. things are bound to start falling to pieces but leave me some dignity and some mystery. i try my best to keep cheery, the minute i slack off i am probed, felt up, held forcedly down while they take a picture of my insides.

it's not the check-up, i am just grumpy. it comes with age. i don't want her or anyone to know i am not at my best. when did it all creep up on me? the way she looks at me now. she cries at night as she strokes me. i love her and knead her stomach as she strokes me. its all i can do to be a better cat.