The Path I Didn't Take
He wakes up and feeds the cat. He makes himself a cup of tea and watches the sun rising. The cat keeps on chewing. He leans back against the chair and thinks of the day ahead. He's no longer a young man. He lives alone with the cat but he's not lonely. He has done his duties. He's never into relationships. He has been married once and he can't say he enjoys being a father. No, he's not family material. He was born to be free. He's at peace with himself. He wants nothing from the world. He paid child support on time. He sent gifts. He showed up when invited. He had her college fund prepared long before she turned 15. He knows he made the right decision. He's not a usual man and he chose a very different path. He likes his solitude. He seldom has nightmares. He sometimes remembers his dreams. He sometimes thinks of his family and his friends. He's still tall. He's still dark. He's still muscular. He's still fit. And yes, he sometimes talks to the cat.
He takes another sip of his tea. But he never ever regrets his choices.