Belle was a stray kitten that my parents met in 2006, shortly after they had to relocate to a new apartment a few months after I moved out. For the first couple of months of her life, she wandered the apartment complex, but kept returning to my parent’s porch. At the time they had a dog and another cat, but both were elderly & passed away not long after they moved. They then decided to bring Belle inside and be her forever home. Seventeen years later, Belle passed away peacefully in that home of natural causes. She had gone to the vet for a checkup just a month earlier & passed with flying colors, so no one knows why beyond old age she suddenly crossed the Bridge. For the first time since I was 9 years old in 1992, my parents have no pets at home. And even from over 1500 miles away, I can tell it’s hurting them a lot. I decided to make them a memorial portrait as a Valentine’s Day gift this year, and I sincerely hope it brings them some comfort. Belle, my dear one, you are still so very, very loved. I hope you know that, beyond the Bridge. Art ©️ Tygerwolfe Designs, 2024 5.5 Hours | Procreate