Subtle Steps in Solitude is a poignant exploration of a young woman's journey through life's mundane routines and unexpected challenges. Priscilla "Cici" Tan is a 28-year-old financial adviser, seemingly content with her structured, solitary existen...
As I settled into my routine of early mornings and late nights, something felt different. It wasn't just the lingering stress from Ma's birthday dinner or the still unresolved tension between us. It was something smaller, furrier, and infinitely more disruptive to my carefully structured life.
Remus had quickly become a fixture in my world. From the moment I woke up to his persistent purring, demanding breakfast, to the evenings spent trying to work while he insisted on sitting on my keyboard, my once-ordered existence was now punctuated by his needs. I had always prided myself on my ability to juggle the demands of my job, the expectations of my family, and the self-imposed pressure to maintain a perfect façade. But Remus didn't care about any of that.
My apartment, once a pristine reflection of my controlled life, had become a playground for my new feline companion. A scratching post stood awkwardly in the corner of my living room, toys were scattered across the floor, and I found myself adjusting my schedule to accommodate this new responsibility. If you had asked me a month ago, I would have scoffed at the idea of owning a cat, let alone letting one dictate my routine. But now, here I was, planning my day around Remus's meals and playtime.
It wasn't just the physical changes, though. There was something about having Remus around that softened the edges of my stress. The moments I spent with him, however brief, were grounding in a way I hadn't anticipated. He didn't care if I closed a big deal or failed to meet a client's expectations. He just wanted my attention, my presence, something that I had been unwilling to give to anyone for a long time. I also don't understand why I always want him close by.
Being boss of my own office brings a lot of perks. I realized, I can bring Remus along. Now, not only is our apartment been transformed to a comfortable space for him but I had also bought a bed and setup a little office for him in my office.
One afternoon, as I sat at my desk reviewing some reports, I felt a weight land on my lap. Remus had decided that my paperwork was less important than he was. I sighed, half-exasperated, half-amused, and scratched behind his ears.
"You know, you're a terrible assistant," I said, as he purred contentedly. "But I guess I'm stuck with you."
Remus then proceeded to nap and get cozy on his bed.
I wasn't the only one who had noticed the changes in my life. Lianne Chou, my assistant and a growing presence in my life, had commented on it more than once.
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"Hi Remus!" she greeted the cat even before walking straight to me. "You seem... different lately," she remarked one day as we were going over some client presentations. "Less stressed, maybe?"
I looked at her, surprised. "You think so?"
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. It's like you've got this... calm about you. I mean, you're still intense," she added quickly, "but in a good way."
