Emi's Journey: A busy day

Dear Diary,

Today was exhausting.

I woke up in the sunbeam by the window, which is rightfully mine. It moved at some point, so I moved with it. The sun is very inconsiderate that way, but I handled it with grace.

Then I looked out the window. A squirrel appeared. I stared at it. It stared back. We both understood the stakes. I let it live. Later, a man walked by with a dog who was clearly not as well-groomed as me. I made a small noise in my throat to let him know I’d noticed, and I haven’t forgiven him yet.

Breakfast was acceptable. The portion was exactly what I expected, which is to say, not enough, and I let the human know with a long, meaningful stare. She said “you already ate,” and I said nothing, because I am not a liar, but I am also not wrong.

After that I lay down on the cool tile for a while, then the rug, then the tile again. This is called a tough decision-making process, and nobody appreciates how hard I work at it.

Then the window again. Nothing happened. I watched it anyway, in case something did. You can never be too careful.

Dinner was late. I want that on the record. The human claims it was at the usual time, but I was there, and I know what I felt. It was late. I ate it anyway, because I am a professional. Every last piece. Then I checked the bowl twice in case I had missed some.

The evening was spent on the couch in my spot, which the human occasionally tries to occupy. I permitted a few chest scratches, on my terms, and then I got bored and turned away. She seemed fine with it. She’s learning.

Now I’m tired. Not because I did anything, mind you, but because I could have. The potential for effort is draining in its own right.

Tomorrow I plan to do the same. If the squirrel returns, we will have a conversation.

Goodnight, Diary.

- A Very Busy and Important Shiba

P.S. The vacuum remains in the closet. I’m watching it.