Growing up, there was a 10-year age gap between my siblings and me. My parents being older also made me very lonely. Out of the list of options that were given to me to end this loneliness, one that stuck out was getting a pet. I knew my parents were not in favor of getting a pet, but I was determined to convince them since I did my research and found out pets can be good emotional support.  

   In July, the summer before my junior year I got a call from my cousin saying that her cat gave birth to a litter of kittens. Once I got there, I saw him, the little 2-pound ball of fur that was curled up resembling an orange. It was love at first sight and my parents agreed. 

    I decided to name him Winnie since that’s the first thing he reminded me of, just like Winnie the Pooh. I never knew that from that very day, Winnie would start changing my life. Every time I saw him do a simple thing such as eat, play, or even use the bathroom, I would get such a happy feeling to the point where I was smiling involuntarily. 

    I realized how very much a part of me he was. I loved him. When I understood that he was hurt or afraid, the pain swept through my own body and made me sad but eager to comfort him. Winnie taught me how to live again.  He helped me become social again, be aware of the life I’m currently living, and become aware of the love that was all around me.  

    Winnie shaped me into a positive person who always looks at the bright side of things and who is now in tune with my inner self and my emotions. I now show no shame in myself and the decisions I make, and I also learned how to care for things.  

    If I had a time machine, I would go back to the old me who was stuck in that dark abyss and tell me that good things were coming in the form of an adorable orange cat named Winnie who would take the loneliness away and show me true happiness.