One chilly morning, as Sanobar Sabah got ready for work, she spotted something unusual: a ginger cat sitting quietly on the curb.
At first, she thought the cat belonged to someone in one of the ground-floor apartments in her building, where people often let their pets roam outside.
But as the days went by, the ginger cat stayed in the same place, looking sad against the busy street. Sanobar, who hadn’t been too worried at first, started to feel concerned.
After three days of seeing the cat there, she sent a picture to a friend who helps rescue cats. Her friend confirmed her worst fears – the cat was probably abandoned and is waiting for her owners to come back, which made Sanobar even more anxious.
Sadly, pet abandonment happens a lot in many communities where people move around a lot. Many families get cute kittens but then leave them behind when they realize that taking care of a pet is a big responsibility.
However, as time went on, Sanobar felt more and more connected to the lonely cat. She began to leave little bits of food for her, and soon the ginger cat started to recognize Sanobar’s car, she would run up to it with a hopeful look in her eyes.
So, touched by this trust, Sanobar decided to name her Genie. For months, Genie was a familiar sight in the neighborhood, finding refuge under a car nearby.
It often brought tears to Sanobar’s eyes, reminding her of how Genie had been left all alone.
Slowly but surely, Genie started to come out of her shell. She became a cherished part of the community, winning the hearts of the people around her.
Security guards would stop to say hi, older folks would check on her, and kids would happily share snacks with her. And that’s how Genie had turned into a source of happiness for everyone.
With Genie becoming so popular, Sanobar thought about bringing her home. But then she remembered her own living situation, which quickly crushed her hopes.
She lived in a tiny apartment with two cats that already had a tricky relationship. Plus, Genie was used to being outside and might not adjust well to living indoors.
Feeling a bit helpless, Sanobar started to spend more time with Genie, finding comfort in the company of this lonely animal.
She would sit on the ground, sharing her worries and thoughts with Genie, who would listen patiently and sometimes purr softly.
As Sanobar spent more time with Genie, she realized something important. Being an expat her whole life, she had never really felt at home.
Her family was always moving from one apartment to another, focusing on what was practical rather than what felt permanent. The idea of “home” seemed far away, almost like a dream.
Sanobar’s life felt just as uncertain as Genie’s situation. They were both on a quest to find a place where they truly belonged in a world that seemed to change all the time.
Then, a big thought hit Sanobar: If she can’t take Genie home, she’ll bring home to Genie. Believe it or not, this simple idea was actually really deep.
It made her realize that home isn’t just about having a house or a specific place; it’s about feeling at peace with herself and living in the moment. It was about understanding that she was enough just the way she was.
Genie often reflected Sanobar’s own feelings of not having a true home. Having Genie around made her face her worries about fitting in and rethink what home really means.
Even though she couldn’t give Genie a permanent place inside her house, Sanobar made sure to take care of her by providing food, water, and a safe spot. Genie, in return, learned to adjust and found comfort in their daily routine together.
Maybe one day, Sanobar will be able to give Genie a real home with a big backyard for sunbathing.
Perhaps Genie will sit on her study table, keeping her company while she works. Until that day comes, we can all learn what it really means to have a true home.
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