My Dear Opie

 28/3/2025

A year ago this month, Pelita gave birth to three cute kittens—one white, one black, and one a mix of both colors. I named the white one Lekiu, the black one Awang, and the mixed one Opie. Opie had the biggest eyes among the three but was the smallest in size. Every time Opie looked at me, its eyes locked onto mine, so focused and deep. I always felt drawn to Opie.

Lekiu and Awang were so naughty as they grew up, always making a mess, but Opie was the good one. Since Opie never caused trouble, I let it stay outside the cage. From then on, Opie always slept on my bed, sometimes curling up on my body or resting its head, looking at me with so much love. I felt so blessed every night just watching Opie comfort me in its own way.

Lately, Opie seemed weak, getting smaller day by day. I started to worry, so I took Opie to the vet. The doctor gave Opie subcut and neb treatments. When we got home, I gave Opie six types of medicine as prescribed. Opie listened to me so well, taking every tablet without fuss. I put Opie in a cage to take better care of it, then left for work.

That night, I rushed back to my room to check on Opie. But when I looked inside the cage, Opie was lying there, lifeless.

I was so shocked. I just sat in front of the cage, trying to understand what was happening. Slowly, it sank in—Opie was gone.

I grabbed my favorite shirt and dug a hole beside Comot’s grave. When I took Opie’s body out of the cage, it was still soft, meaning Opie had just passed not too long ago. Maybe Opie was waiting for me.

I sat in front of the hole I had dug, holding Opie in my arms, crying so hard because I couldn’t believe Opie was gone. My dearest, loving Opie. I sat there for so long, hugging Opie for the last time, kissing Opie repeatedly, knowing I wouldn’t get to hold Opie ever again. My chest hurt so much. Losing someone you love is really painful.

I buried Opie silently, slowly, gently, placing the last handful of soil over Opie’s head, making sure everything was covered. Then I went inside, took a shower, and prayed. I cried so much while praying, tears just flowing down.

I asked Allah, "Ya Allah, last year on Israk Mikraj, You took Bulan and gave me Opie. After a year, on the night of Lailatul Qadr, You took Opie. I feel so devastated, but I know that nothing truly belongs to me—it’s all Yours, Ya Allah. I may cry, but I know Opie was always Yours. So, I give Opie back to You.

Thank You for lending me Opie. Thank You so much, Ya Allah. Ya Allah, I pray that in the Hereafter, You allow me to walk with all the cats I have ever loved—Bulan, Opie, and the rest.

Amin.