I was awakened last night by a feather-like tickle upon my cheek and a soft series of meows. I slowly opened my eyes, believing it was a dream, and found myself face-to-face with the amber eyes of a lithe black cat sitting on my chest. 

"It's time," he whispered, creeping closer to my face.

"For what?"

"Take a deep breath," he murmured, "for it will be your last."

"I thought cats only stole babies' breath."

"That's an old wives' tale," he hissed, as I felt the air being drawn slowly from my lungs.