That little happy trill saved my life

I have cPTSD. I used to get horrible terrors. I still do, but not as often. Thirteen years ago this year, they started getting better when I got my void kitten. I kick and thrash in my sleep, and she learned if she slept next to my head, I wouldn't knock her off the bed. Then, she learned if she sat on me or curled around my head or curled her paw around me somehow, I'd calm down.

And I learned if I woke up panicking and reached up to her, she would do that little trill and just melt. Her melting makes my anxiety melt. Never fails, every time I need her, there she is with that happy trill, like me petting her is just the best thing in the world.

I sleep better now because of her. I don't think it's hyperbolic to say she saved me. Things were worse when I could barely sleep. She's also just as attune to my mental state when I'm awake, too. The very first day I got her was tough, and she climbed a cat tree in the shelter, jumped on my shoulder, and leaned around my head to look at me. Then she pushed her cheek against mine like she was telling me it's ok. It was very weird car behavior.

Anyway, it's late, and I woke up in the middle of the night. It's been a rough day. I got that trill and feel a little better. She decided to curl around my head so now I'm getting lulled back to sleep with loud purrs since her head is on my ear.