Creature Comfort

I had a rough night last night, and couldn't sleep. I have taken to sleeping on the couch for awhile now, and I was laying in my den, wide-awake--nothing working or helping.
My animals amaze me. And I have had too many other friends tell me similar stories of their pets to think it is a fluke. When I am upset or sick, my cats know it. Baxter never sleeps with me at night, he always sleeps in the same place-- the rug in front of the front door. He is a cuddler for sure, but he has a set schedule for nighttime, I have always thought it was cute the way he settled in for the night.
But last night, after watching me for a bit, he came to the couch and curled up next to me, purring.
Lilly, too, has always been so aware of what is going on with me. Since I got home almost two weeks ago, she has rarely left my side. This is unusual for her. But she has quietly been keeping an eye on me.
Part of why I know this is not just a coincidence is that a normal day with my three cats is never calm or quiet. Someone is fighting, someone is chasing someone else, followed by hissing--something falling off of a table or counter, and eventually someone stuck behind the washing machine.
But when I am upset or sick--the house gets quiet, and my little animals curl up close by to comfort me.
I didn't get to sleep much last night, but I was definitely comforted.