To Poppet and Widget (maybe),

One of those probably isn't your name if I end up only getting one cat in the future (because Poppet and Widget are meant to be a pair), so I apologize ahead of time if I'm already starting off on the wrong foot.

I've always wanted a cat. My dad is allergic to cats, though, so we only had dogs (off and on) during my childhood. Dogs are nice, but I never really got attached to them for very long; they always had too much energy for me — which is why I prefer cats.

My mom told me about the cats she had after she moved out, Tinian and Chani, and I used to enjoy asking about them every year or so while I daydreamed about being "grown-up" and living with a cat or two of my own.

I've never really been much of a pet person, but I think I would adore having two cats (whose names I've already, clearly, chosen).

Unfortunately, given the extreme demands of work, college, and an awful budget for the next few years, I don't see adoption in the near future. If it does happen, it won't be until I feel completely secure about spending the extra money each month to care for you; however, that feels at least five to ten years away.

While I'm waiting, I'd like to say that I'm excited to meet you, and I can't express how long I've wanted to adopt you.

The names I chose are based off of my favorite characters in my favorite book, Erin Morgenstern's "The Night Circus."

Poppet and Widget don't appear until later on in the novel - almost poetic in relation to our situation. They're twins, a boy and a girl, with fiery red hair and equally fiery personalities.

I can't think of anyone better to name you after.

On the other hand, if I choose to only adopt one feline, your name will probably be something like "Pickles" because it's cute and makes me laugh quite a bit.

In any case, I can't wait to meet you (if I ever meet you at all — I did make a promise to myself about not having kids or pets until after I'm thirty…).

While I suffer through these last few years of college, I'll keep daydreaming about the day I finally get to cuddle with a little ball of fur that's there to stay.

With love and impatience,

Joscelyn