Ceci and the coyote

I'm old and I live by myself with my cat and I don't have anyone to tell this story to.  So it's here.

Ceci was in the tall grass lawn in front of my house.  I was sitting on the front stoop watching as the sun set this evening.

Then the worst drama of my life began.  Good news.  It lasted less than 5 seconds.  And the outcome was good.

I looked at a stellar jay who was in the pine tree down the hill, and when I looked back, a small to medium coyote was five feet from Ceci, who had stopped focusing on squirrels.  Direct contact.  In second 1, I noted that this was not good, and the coyote leapt directly at Ceci, making nose to nose contact.  Ceci did not flinch, or expand her fur.  She simply held her ground, put her ears back, and the coyote skidded to a stop.

I leapt and growled like a bear and flew out of my chair.  

Second 2.  Both Ceci and the coyote, still within an inch of each other, turned their heads to observe me.  I sprinted straight over my stone wall (I keep saying "our" instead of "my" because I used to have a life partner.  She's never met Ceci and never will.  She hates me and wants to punish me. She would not send condolences if she ever found out that I'd watched Ceci die.  She watched our previous cat be put down...maybe she hates me for that too.  I wasn't there for that tough event but my wife was sleeping with a polyamorous community in another country by that time...and hey, I showed up when her mom died soon thereafter.  I take a pass for myself.)

Second three: the coyote drops its shoulders, turns its head, and starts the official coyote slink...head turned to look behind it, low to the ground.  I'm within three strides of her when...off she goes.

Second four: I reach Ceci, who looks up and me and meows.  I pick her up, hug her hard, and she immediately began to purr.

She's sitting in my lap now, asleep.

Second five.  My heart beat again.

I love you Ceci.  You just stood off a coyote for the seconds it took me to fly to you.  You never doubted yourself, and you never doubted that we were safe together. You never doubted me.  

Minute 36...37.   We're still alive and together, you and me.  I love you more powerfully than I've ever loved a thing in my life.  I feel your heartbeat and breathing as you gently stay with me.  I would sing your praises to the heavens if anyone listened.  I will never forget your trust, Ceci...