hazy shades of winter

We thought we were suffering from the gloom, but a neighbor is in sadder shape; her cat had been suffering from cancer in its neck region, and she had to have it put down. This is a woman I would describe as feisty and tough, but she told me she was a wreck. Her house is way too quiet, she remarked. The vet came to her home to perform the service, which she thought would be better for the cat, but it proved worse for her. It's hard for people whose sole companions are aging pets. She's not sure if she's getting another one, but maybe fostering would be an option.