Something Is Here To Stay

In 2020, my brother relocated to another country for work. When he asked me to take care of his cat for a few weeks, I gladly agreed. As the pandemic worsened and halted international travel, Tuco, my brother's four-year-old Maine Coon cat, ended up spending a quarter of his life with me in this "transitory home". Contrary to the common assumption that domesticated cats are gentle, loving, and independent, Tuco's behaviour was quite different. I often found myself regretting my decision as I surveyed the broken furniture and examined the scratches on my arms. Helping him adjust to his new environment was a significant challenge. One morning, upon opening my bedroom door, I found a battered toy lying on the floor. Tuco had brought me his favourite mouse as a gesture of love—a gift I continued to receive until he was reunited with my brother. 'Something Is Here to Stay' is a collaborative project with Tuco, documenting his unique character and the memories we created. It's about embracing and appreciating life's unexpected events, which may not always align with our interests but can lead to surprisingly rewarding outcomes.