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If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?

If I could make you understand one thing,

it would be this:

I am not waiting to catch you.

I am waiting to welcome you.

You pass by my house

like small, striped travelers,

tails writing question marks in the air,

eyes full of borrowed caution.

I have not adopted you.

You have not adopted me.

We remain strangers

separated by a few careful steps.

Still, I place food outside

with quiet hands.

Not as bait.

As an offering.

Sometimes you do not come.

Sometimes the birds arrive first,

bold and unburdened,

and carry away what was meant for you.

And I wish I could tell you—

Come at the right time.

Come when the air is still.

Come when my door is open

and my heart is softer than the evening light.

I will not chase you.

I will not trap you.

I only want you to know

that this corner of the world

means you no harm.

It is a small thing—

a bowl of food,

a little patience,

a distance respected.

But it is given

with love

and kindness.

And it will wait for you. 🐾