I meant to write a post yesterday about all the cuddle-shenanigans going on as the cold rain pours in Los Angeles; maybe tomorrow. Tonight, I found Amalthea's body. Rigor mortis had worn off, and her delicate body just seemed so fragile, so malleable. Grace in death? And a small mercy: no scent. Just a forlorn little shell of my girl. I hadn't seen her all day, and in the last day or so I've seen her slow down, the pain perhaps catching up. I meant to give her pain meds tonight, and I never did. That is one thing I feel guilty for. I hope her suffering was not too lengthy in the end, or great. °•°•°•° Two nights ago, Amalthea's colony got an extended free-play-time on the floor. I brought out this favorite strawberry house when Cosette (right) refused to come out without it. Amalthea explored a few things nearby, for old time's sake, and then gratefully crawled in beside Cosette to rest. Cosette gained her confidence before long, but at the end of the evening Amalthea was found sleeping in her favorite strawberry house, exhausted. I am so grateful they all got a last playtime together, even if Amalthea wasn't up for much. °•°•°•° After I moved Amalthea's body tonight, I found Cosette sitting near the empty space, looking up at me. After a moment, she sat in the spot where her friend's body had just lain, and gnawed on a wicker ball toy---one of Amalthea's favorite kinds. I have never seen Cosette chew like this before. She was very single-minded in her task, focused for several long minutes. The ball now sits where Amalthea once laid. We all have our own ways of mourning, and paying tribute to our dead. 💔 #AmaltheaMousie #AmaltheasSaga #friendsforever #CosetteMousie #Squintina #mousebabies
