StoryTime: How I Met Miko

 
Do you know why there are so many cats in Istanbul?

Back in the day, when ships were a common mode of transport, Istanbul was a pretty major port. All the ships that docked there came with the risk of a rat infestation. So they made it a law that any boat that anchors here must have at least one cat on it. To keep the rodents at bay. 

And with that, centuries of cats jumped on and off the boats, making their way through the world/continents with their charming whiskers.

I feel like I’m going through this phase right now of being fascinated with the concept of tiny decisions impacting your life (or its trajectory). 

For example, had I left My house even one minute earlier, I wouldn’t have run into my neighbour, ended up hanging out with her, and both of us being there for each other for the rest of the week. Or, had I caught the next train, I wouldn't have found my ex and his girlfriend four feet away from me. 

This story is a matter of saying yes to a simple lunch. A simple lunch I was tempted to say no to, because Sunday was my only free day. “Come,” my brother tried to convince me, “It’ll be nice.” My brother was visiting so I obliged. Anyway, it was painful staying home with my flatmates, and I was always looking for a reason to be out. 

They had an adult apartment in an adult part of town. They also had a newborn. There was another couple there, oohing and aahing over the baby. I couldn’t relate. At one point, I heard the hosts whisper about some cats, “You seen them?”

“They’re sleeping on the bed,”

NOW I was interested.

On my way to the bathroom, I met one of them. A handsome tuxedo cat with an ink stain on his nose. I bent down to pet him, and he said, “Ugh. Leave me alone.” So I responded, “FINE, then,” and went off to do my business.

Cat number 2 was waiting outside in the hallway. I stepped out and stood frozen. She looked back at me with her enormous eyes full of disbelief. With my mouth hung open, I bent down and offered my hand. She purred against it, and then her tiny body across my arm. 

I went back into the living room and said, “You know that little cat of yours? The girl one? She’s the most beautiful cat I’ve seen in my life.” 

“Oh yeah? You want her?”

“Huh? No! I’m not looking for a pet,”

“Seriously, just take her,”

“Why?”

“We have a real human baby now, and she needs us to give her too much attention.”

“Well,” I hesitated, “I can’t take her right now. I’m moving in the middle of next month.”

“Okay! We’ll be in touch when you move in.”

Three weeks later, I’m in my new apartment. 

“Are you ready now?” I get a text from them.

“Guys! It hasn’t been 24 hours here. Let me get my furniture. Just.. call in a week.”

A week later, they called, “Okay, we’re coming over with the cats.”

Cats?! Plural?! 

At this point I just surrendered. 

Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep Rambo because I was working very long hours in those days, and he was a party boy who kept bringing infections to the house. After about a month, and multiple vet visits, I couldn't come home to diarrhoea every night.

I called them asking for a solution, and they offered the simplest one. They were happy to take him back.

Fast-forward to today, over a decade later. Miko moved through many adventures with me. She now resides in Montreal, Canada. What an experience it was, to bring her through an airport! Her eyes darted over the lights from the high ceiling, the echoes of the announcement, the white noise of travellers. Never had I seen an airport staff more eager and helpful. I remember holding her tiny back as we walked through security. 

All my friends know who she is. We are a little unit, Miko and I. They make sure to ask about her. The first or second thing they ask upon coming over is, “Where is Miko?” and out she appears with her meows asking for love. She’s been my cute little companion through so much. Who knew a little yes-or-no decision would have made her such an integral part of my life?