L’Aquila, 2009: Image via Wikipedia

The black cat sat up, humanlike, gasping for breath. It mewed quietly, in pain and with an Italian accent. Looking around, the injured creature saw damage everywhere in the devastated ancient hill-town. Rubble surrounded the battered creature.

The stray had wandered into L’Aquila a few weeks prior and had been welcomed. It was fed and loved by all whilst being given the freedom of the town. What more could it want and why would it move on?

In the last few days the feline had sensed something ruthless was impending. Other animals, especially the birds, had fled the area once the warning signs had become unmistakable. The cat, however, was too comfortable and chose to stay. It was a poor choice, possibly a very regrettable choice.

Now the stray decided to conserve its strength and wait in the silence. All the familiar faces appeared to be gone. Hours passed and then the cat heard familiar voices and felt the hands of the priest pick him up gently. “Ah, one of my humans,” it thought, “Everything will be just fine now.”