It's now nearly three weeks since Ekanath came home from the hospital and he is continuing to convalesce. He is doing quite well although he still tires more easily than before but his energy levels are certainly climbing. He can play for a lot longer than when he first came home, and he can now manage two play sessions a day instead of one. That's a great sign. He still needs a duvet day every 5 or 6 days but then, to be fair he used to have one every week anyway and it is lovely to have him snuggle up to me for the day. Being self-employed lets me be quite flexible and I can even work from a sitting position on the bed, which lets him snuggle up to me while I work Something we both seem to like.
Not surprisingly, perhaps, Ekanath's experience has changed him a little. He is a much less skittish cat than before. He is less frightened of new experiences and less afraid of strangers than he used to be. More than that, he is also a lot more affectionate than before. Well, at least he is more demonstrative in his affections. He always had affection for Marie and I but sometimes he wasn't really sure how to show it.
Ekanath: Toxic Masculinity!
Beg your pardon? Ekanath: Toxic Masculinity. It's when males find it difficult to express their more gentle emotions. It makes us more reserved and stand-offish, frightened to show affection in case we look weak.
Yes, I know what it is, I'm just surprised you do, that's all.
Ekanath: What? I read!
Erm... no, you don't.
Ekanath: Well okay, true. I do listen to mam-mams though. You should try it sometime, she's really interesting.
I listen to mam-ma... to Marie!
Ekanath: Typical man, always thinks he listens to women but does he, really? In this patriarchal society? That's the question, isn't it? Alright, Emiline Pawkurst! Where was I? Oh yes... ... anyway, now Ekanath is much more demonstrative in his affections. He is exploring the idea of becoming a lap cat, occasionally gingerly climbing onto one of us then settling down. He will often cuddle up next to me, wrapping his paws around an arm or a leg, or holding my finger in his paw. At night he will cuddle up to me or lie between Marie and I, purring heavily. Ekanath: Yes, I think I've got that Stockton syndrome. You know where captives develop a psychological connection and feelings of affection towards their captors.
I think you mean Stockholm syndrome. Ekanath: Don't be daft! Stockholm is quite nice. Have you ever seen Stockton? You'd need to be held captive to stay there for long!
Ekanath! We have readers from Stockton, you'll offend them! You should probably apologise. Ekanath: Fair enough. I would like to apologise to the people of Stockton...
...it must be awful for you.
That's not quite what I meant! Never mind, say goodnight to the readers, Ekanath. Ekanath: Good night to the readers, Ekanath.