*ahem* Introducing Tawny, the Silly and Playful Cougar
Yesterday was the big red-letter day for me. A plain, cardboard box arrived at my doorstep.
Anxiously waiting by the door, the FedEx truck arrived. Before the driver had a chance to open the back of the truck, I was already bouncing down the driveway. I was all smiles, but also fighting back the tears. I could feel them welling up. No, I have to keep it together long enough to get back in the house.
Time seemed to stand still as I carefully slit the packing tape that held the box closed. The wait was over, "let's open this thing finally," I said to myself.
So, what's in the box, you ask? Not so much "what" but "who" is a better question. Who's in the box? Tawny, the silly and playful cougar. My new roommate, alter-ego, therapist, friend, and fursuit.
I had been looking forward to this moment for months. And at the same time, I have been terrified of this moment almost as long. I was so worried that I would not fall instantly in love with him. I couldn't have been more wrong.
A hand-written note was the first thing that greeted me when I opened the box. It opened with: "Hello! My name is Tawny and I hope you will adopt me!"
I had to stop reading at that point, lest I burst out in tears. The note closed with: "Silver told me to tell you to take lots of pictures! So can we go play now?"
By the time I was done reading that line, I was sobbing. All my fears had vanished.
Setting the note aside (to be framed, for sure), I pulled out the body. His fur is more luxurious that I had imagined possible. He feels like a mink stole. His white chest fur is absolutely gorgeous.
Beneath the body was the head, with those huge, welcoming amber eyes. i took off my glasses, and slipped it on. It fits like a glove. Hesitant to look into the mirror, I slowly peeked my head around the closet door and saw the first glimpse of me, as Tawny, and it was miraculous. The heavens did not open, the angels did not sing, but I felt a warmth and confidence I haven't felt often. I actually felt comfortable in myself.
I've finally come home, I think.
I did not don the rest of Tawny then; I had to be somewhere soon. I packed him up and headed for Silvermane's. Later that evening, I became Tawny for the first time.
Gesten let me use his room to change. Silvermane had already changed into suit and was awaiting me in the living room. I peeked around the corner, as I am prone to do, and he instantly lit up when he saw me. I shuffled over to give him a big hug, meeting half way.
I've arrived somehow. I felt like I had graduated. I felt accepted.
The rest of the evening was a Xmas-themed photo shoot, with dueling rolls of gift wrap, tree lights entanglement, and silly poses. I admit, it was so good to feel adored like that. I hope it never wears off.
Sadly, I have no pictures at the moment to show you. But, I will be getting those aforementioned Xmas photos, plus taking Tawny out for a stroll in the woods for some more photography. This will happen soon enough.
The waiting period is over, and now a new period starts: when I take Tawny out in public.
Thank you, silverlinz, from the bottom of my heart.