"Can I have a cat Grampa?" Ten year old Joey leaning up on his elbow in front of the fireplace.

"Bet you've been up in that attic again looking through them things in that old trunk," Joey's Grandfather striking a match across his pipe.

"I know, I shouldn't be up there...but I like looking through those old photos when you were my age."

"The ones with Tabby I bet," leaning his head back against the rocker.

"You never said your cat's name was Tabby Grandpa."

"Didn't think much about it until you brought it up," lowering his eyes looking at Joey. "Almost seems like yesterday her walking around my feet rubbing against my leg. She always had this kinda wink in her eye when I looked down on her. Funny ya know, I use to wink back at her. I think she almost smiled...or maybe I just imagined it," turning his head toward the fire...a tear falling down his cheek.

"You must miss her alot don't you?" Moving over next to his rocker with a question in his eyes. "They always die don't they...the ones we love."

His arm slides across Joey's shoulder. "They're always with us son. They really never leave."

"I guess...I don't know."

"You're only ten Joey. You got lots of years ahead."

"But still Grandpa, everything gets old. I just want it all to stay the way it is."

"You know Joey, my Ma always said that when I was born, everyone around me was smiling, and I was the one crying...then she went on and said...live your life so at the end everyone around you is crying and you're the one who is smiling. Don't count the years, count the memories."

"I think I understand. It's the memories isn't it?" Looking up into his grandpa's eyes.

"It's always the memories Joey. You can't change yesterday, but tomorrow is always fresh and new just waiting for you to create anything you want. Maybe even a cat," smiling down at him.

"A cat?"

"Sure, why not," turning his head toward the kitchen door. "I think I hear your mom pulling into the garage. You might go out and give her a hand...and be careful with one of the things she bought."

"Okay Grandpa, I'll be right back," standing up walking towards the kitchen door.

In the distance a kitten's meow was heard echoing in the garage. Joey appears at the door holding a kitten in his arms with tears falling through his smile.
● Story by Abbie Stewart