A black cat has crossed my path - again

About 2am, I was watching Empire Falls courtesy of my tiny god, when I heard a noise outside like a small child. After hearing it again, I decided to investigate - it's 2am and all - and found instead more what I expected - a lonely cat.

The cat and I came to an understanding - she understood that I would pet her for a while, in exchange for which she would stop making noise. I drew the line at letting the cat inside, which she clearly wanted. I think it's the neighbor's cat, and the neighbor feel asleep without letting her in.

The cat is black, just like the cat I lost eighteen months ago. And just as friendly. That makes it hard not to let her in, but I think she'll be all right.

Update: Empire Falls is very good, and folks who like small town stories and have HBO should check it out.

Update 2: HOLY CRAP I was NOT expecting that! It's not just the story of a sleepy town after all.