Just seconds away – from losing the one I love most to one terrible mistake

I’m still shaking as I write this.

A few hours ago, I nearly killed my cat — with my own hands. Not intentionally, of course. But that doesn’t make the terror any less real.

It was laundry day, just like always. I was tired, distracted, maybe in a rush. And for the first time in years, I didn’t check the dryer before turning it on. Even though I always do.
Because I know my cat likes dark, warm places.

But it only takes once.

I hit the button. The machine started. And then—
thump.
So faint. But something in me froze instantly.

I slammed the button again and yanked the door open — heart racing, stomach flipping.

And there he was.

My cat. Dazed, panting, curled in a trembling ball. Still alive. Still breathing. But completely confused, blinking up at me like,
“What just happened?”

I spent the entire night beside him. Watching every breath, gently checking his body for bruises, trauma, anything. Somehow — by some miracle — he seemed okay. Just terrified.

But me? I was shattered.

I’ve always prided myself on being a careful pet owner. I check. I double-check. I love him more than words can say. But one careless moment… and I nearly lost him.

He didn’t hold it against me. A few hours later, he curled back up on my chest like nothing had happened. As if to say,
“I trust you, even when you mess up.”

But I can’t forget.

That soft thud echoes in my brain over and over. I hear it in my sleep. I flinch when I pass the laundry room.

I know we were lucky. So many others haven’t been. And that’s why I’m sharing this:
Always check your dryer. Always. No matter how rushed or sure you are.

It takes 5 seconds. And it can save a life.

Today, I was granted another chance. But I’ll never take it for granted again.

❤️ He forgave me with gentle eyes.
💔 But I may never forgive myself — and I don’t want anyone else to feel this way.