Sentinel

A difficult Tuesday. My aunt has deteriorated over the course of the day, while my sister  and I and the carer have been keeping a vigil. 
This morning, one of our cousins phoned to say her mother (our aunt through  marriage to our father's brother) died early this morning. She had been ill for a long time, and we had  been expecting this news for  a few weeks, but very sad all the same. She was a kind and fun aunt to us.
It has been a cold, but very bright and sunny day, although I was only able to enjoy it briefly, when I popped out  to  buy us some sandwiches for lunch.  
This china  cat is keeping watch on my aunt's kitchen windowsill. 
My aunt has always been fond of felines, although she hasn't had a pet cat for some years.
We had two rewarding telephone conversations with two more of my aunt's friends. She has  been a good  and loyal friend to many  people, I think.