Firas in Gaza: I close my eyes and imagine Bella healthy, happy, and living without pain again
Cats & Their People: Stories from Conflict Zones — Bella & Firas About Bella (from Firas): I am terrified. Every time I look at Bella, tears fill my eyes. I’m afraid to fall asleep because I fear waking up in the morning and finding that my precious girl is gone. I’m terrified of having to bury the one I love so deeply, simply because I couldn’t afford to get her the treatment she needs. I cannot bear the thought of losing her. She is not just a cat to me; she is my companion, my comfort, and one of the most precious parts of my life here in Gaza. All I have asked for is $100 to buy Bella’s treatment, yet I have struggled to raise even that amount. I don’t know how to keep begging while watching her get weaker every day. I feel so helpless, and my heart is breaking because I cannot explain to Bella why I haven’t been able to make her pain stop. Abo...