4 stories that will warm your heart

A purr-fect going-away gift

“I sank on the bed at the hotel, eager to get my two-day business trip over with. As silly as it sounds, I missed Lulu, my cat, who was my best friend. I left her plenty of food and water, so I knew she’d be fine for such a short time, but I hated the look on her face when she saw my suitcase on the bed as I packed the day before. We’d never been separated in our six years together.

“Still, something told me I was having a harder time than she was. As I began to unpack in my hotel room, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Among my folded clothing, I saw Lulu’s favorite rubber ball with the bell inside. I laughed out loud as my eyes prickled with emotional tears. She must have wanted to make sure I still felt her with me and slipped the toy into my suitcase.

“‘You’re my best girl,’ I whispered, picturing her sweet furry face. ‘You knew just what I needed!’”

—Ann Li, 49, Fort Wayne, IN