A reverse fairy tale is atypical.
Yet, this is where we join Ella in her story: back at Tabby’s Place after living the dream in a home of her own. It may not be the happiest thing for Ella that forever was foreshortened. It may not be the most joyous reunion for Ella, since she now shares a suite with fellow felines, and Ella doesn’t particularly enjoy their companionship. But, this is not the ending of Ella’s tale. This is a brand new beginning. It is a second “once upon a time.”
For starters, there is no kitchen fire to be tended, so there is also no “cinder” for this Ella. For another thing, with no magical assistance, Ella is garbed beautifully. Adorned in gorgeous fur, she is a glamor-girl with plenty of torbie-tude. Yes, there is a “b” where a “t” is more frequently found, as this fabulous feline is bedecked in both tortie colors and tabby stripes.
Ella is ready for a masquerade ball, or any other kind of ball (or prom, or square dance, or ice cream social). She is the only royalty required to bedeck a gilded hall. Further, it matters not at all to Ella that she dances on 75% of the customary count of kitty legs. It matters even less that she has 0% of any glass slippers, or any slippers at all. (Ella did mention that she would love to have a pair of otter slippers – the kind where a foot goes inside a tummy and toes are covered by a furry face with arms holding a toy starfish. These are real! Search and see.)
What Ella does have is a full range of expressive ways to demonstrate her adoration for humans and basking in their attention. She purrs, she tucks in her head, she stares beseechingly across rooms, she rolls her body around, and, thusly, she snags willing scritchers. Unfortunately for her suitemates, Ella also has an extensive range of ways to express her dissatisfaction with their existence, especially if they want to pass within 20 feet of her. Ever accommodating – in her own special way – Ella doesn’t really care where her suitemates go just as long as the direction is away from her. She only wishes she could turn them all into carriages shaped like pumpkins.
Ella is zesty.
Ella is her own fairy godmother.
Being with Ella is a unique kind of magic. She shows a sweetness toward humans that rivals the best summer peaches. Her fur of patchwork-quilt and stripes echos autumn’s treats: hot apple cider, pumpkin pie, and cinnamon brooms that decorate porches and scent the air with a spicy perfume. Yet, these tempting comparisons fall far short of the truth. Ella stands unique – a triumph on three legs. This tripod is untroubled by the 25% of limbs she readily adapted to doing without. The only unknown leg that matters is the next leg of her journey.
That leg is the most important chapter in Ella’s story. It is about to unfold. Any moment now, her person-charming will waltz their way into Tabby’s Place. Their intention will be to share love and space in their home with that special furry someone. In a heartbeat, they will meet. It will be cute. Both will know they belong together forever. Until that time, Ella will remain in a prime place for receiving care and comfort for however long it takes.
At Tabby’s Place, Ella is at home. There are no wicked stepmothers or horrible stepsisters (Ella disdainfully points out that she has to bear the presence of too many unwanted “siblings” of multiple genders). She is among friends (Only humans count!) who truly love her. She has everything a cat in any sanctuary anywhere in the world could possibly desire. She has a full team of volunteers to cater to her wants. She has personalized medical attention and care from a staff that caters to her every need.
Even an amazing palace such as Tabby’s Place is not the absolute ideal that any of us want for a cat. But, it is a wonderful place. For this particular cat, we can only envision that this time at Tabby’s place – this second chance where Ella is enfolded back into a loving embrace – is just the middle of her story. This is the uneventful part. The first part gave way to an unexpected set-back. But, now the groundwork is being laid for the rest of the fairy tale to unfold. There will be the happiest of climaxes: adoption into a forever home. Here, on the cusp of the denouement, we can sense Ella’s happily ever after. We just have to be patient for her dreams to come true. Meanwhile, we will help her realize sanctuary life can be dreamy, and we will wait for the right person to come at just the right time. For her part, Ella would like to be home before midnight.