Sometime in late July 2024, my buddy, Hussein, dropped by to pass me Ginger, who arrived with quiet uncertainty. My housemates (Kishen & Mel) and I liked to think that we weren’t just housing a cat but sharing our lives with a whole person. One whose gaze was deep and unreadable, keeping us in a constant state of intrigue and suspense, always wondering what he’d do next.

Ginger lazing Ginger coding with me Ginger birdwatching

Ginger's favorite activities

Days with Ginger were never predictable. At times he was a menace, and sometimes, a cat. I never had a cat before, so I grew very attached to him.

Counting down the days of his departure to Oman, I made a calligram in the shape of him in his loafed 🍞 state, with what I’ve come to admire of Ginger’s lovingly odd mannerisms.

My calligram of Ginger

Calligram of Ginger in his loafed state

He was obviously never mine, not really. But he was here, and for a while, that was enough.