Now I am Stripes.

Not Liz took me into her home. I'll call her Beth. Beth tried to feed me, but I didn't eat. I refused to until I got my weight down. Beth gave me a new name; she calls me Stripes. She has a tread mill, which I use daily. I just needed to stay fit. I only ate the cat food Beth gave me. I kept on the treadmill often. I hated my big belly. I only slept 8 hours on point every night. I didn't let anything touch my body. I kept to my back up even when relaxed. I would run and hide whenever Beth tried to touch me. I was happy, At least I thought I was happy.

"That it," Beth said, "I'm getting a man."

Beth tried and tried to get a guy to like her and me. But I hated all guys. They kept trying to touch me where I didn't want to. The witch was everywhere hated their touch; I hated my body. I kept trying to lose weight, trying to forget that time before this. But no matter how hard I push, their e's always that big pot belly of mine. It drove me nuts just how big it was growing despite my efforts.

Now I see Jon.

One day, Beth brought home a man that looked familiar to me. I tried to suppress the memory by staying hidden. But he came back the next day, I hid. He came again, I made myself scarce. I went to be in a safe place away every time he came over. One day he came over and I ran away to hide, but he came after me and font my hiding spot.

"I don't recognize him," I told myself over and over, "I don't know him."

"Garfield," He asked. My heart sank, it was him. He reached for me.

"Garfield what happened to you," Jon asked. I let him touch me. It felt so good, I let him pet me. I purred knowing I just ate, Jon was safe. For now. Jon tried to pick me up. Uh oh. I refuse to leave my safe zone. I even hissed a little. He looks so hurt. I needed to tell him.

"Garfield," Jon asked, "What's wrong? Don't you want to come home?"

I wish I could say just one thing to Jon, and he'd understand me.

"I'm sorry Jon," I would say, "Garfield isn't me anymore, Gorefield took him away. This is my home."

Jon gasped, then after he let something sink in he picked me up anyway. Holding me in such a way That my belly was exposed to him. He put his hand on my tummy.

"Garfield," Jon said, "You're thin and full. I'll find a way to break your curse."

I felt my body transform at his words.

Jon then sang for me, "I know you've been hiding and shaking.

Now is the time for belly aching.

Reignite the hunger.

So, my kitty will be free.

Reignite the hunger and bring my pet back to me.

You think you've been cursed.

The truth is so much worse.

I'm here to set things right.

Please let Garfield back to the light.

Reignite the hunger so my friend will be free.

Reignite the hunger that will bring my Garfield back to me.

Listen to my words, know how much your worth.

You are not alone.

Please reawaken the belly.

Reflate the jelly. That will bring my Garfield home."

My tummy gave a low and weak growl. Jon started crying, rubbing my now empty belly. I was surprised that it worked. Feeling that hunger, I felt a fog seem to lift. It was like I could see much clearer my own body. I could see every bone in my chest, my fur and skin loosely hung from me. Jon was clinging onto the small bulb of a tummy I now had.

"Garfield Please," Jon pleaded, "Just hold on."

"Hold on, to what," I wondered, "To my body? Or… to you?"

I gently put a paw on Jon. I softly purred, he looked at me, tears trickling down his cheeks.

"Garfield," He asked, "Is that you?"

I gave a small nod, Jon smiled.

` "Oh Garfield," Jon said, "I should be the one who's sorry."

I tilt my head in confusion.

"There is no Gorefield," Jon said, "If anything I cursed you."

I tilt my head the other way,

"Garfield," Jon said, "I- (he sniffs) I mixed this new pill called "scared skinny" in your lasagna. I injected some metabolism quickening into you. I just didn't want to lose you too, to…"

He couldn't muster the word, but I knew what he meant. It was then all fell into place, Gorefield was just an illusion Jon made me see. Jon looked so distraught. But I couldn't go back. I wish I could talk to him again, just one more time.

"Jon," I would say, "I need time to think about this."

Jon rubbed my belly one last time before letting it go and putting me down.

"I'll be back in a week," Jon said, "You can let me know then."

Jon left me there alone. It certainly didn't feel like Gorefield's curse. I just felt hungry

Now I am unsure.

I could never bring myself to look in a mirror after that. I didn't want to look at myself after hating my body for so long. I couldn't believe what Jon did to me just to make me like this. He came back sure, but I was suffering for what must have been days. Knowing him, he would come and look for me as soon as he realized I was gone.

What do I do? Do I forgive Jon and go home with him, should I forgive Jon and stay here anyway, or should I stay mad at him and never look back?