I look at the calendar, see today's date, and tear it off the wall, letting it fly out of my hand and across the room. It's July 7th. My birthday. I haven't had a good birthday in almost twenty years. That's how long it's been since I last saw him. I crawl into bed and pull the covers up to hide my face from the world. I stay there for what feels like hours, hoping sleep would make the day go faster, but it doesn't come.
My only source of comfort comes from Max. My cat. I love cats. I have 27 of them. They're the only things that have been able to make me happy since graduation. Since then my life has had no meaning. Sometimes I have to force myself to keep breathing.
I have a job, but I don't bother showing up half the time. The only reason my boss hasn't fired me is because he feels sorry for me. Most people do. Except me. Most of my emotions seemed to stop working a long time ago. The only thing I feel now is hate. I hate everything. Except for my cats. I love them.
My name is Joy Mercer but lately I'm known as 'The Cat Lady'.