Ashley lies asleep on the floor, upside down, paws in the air. His black fur shining in the sunshine that pours through the window. Periodically he purrs a strange pigeon noise, twitches his toes and flicks his thin dark whiskers.

Freddie is curled up on the chair, perfect paws tucked in as usual. Her stripy tail tucked over her toes. She dozes in the warmth of the cushions, motionless except for the rising of her chest as she breathes. Almost silent.

They have no worries, no words to analyse, no intentions to determine. Just three questions:

1. When will I be fed next?
2. Where is the litter box?
3. Will anyone play stick/mouse with me?

Aside from that they are free.

Right now, I envy them.