Sweet how something like a little cat quote card can cause 20 years of memories to come flooding back to the surface of your mind. Slightly bittersweet maybe because of the end, but really.... 20 years !? What a wonderfully long time to get to enjoy a beloved pet.
Sounds like you and your Merlin memories had a very fine visit.
Twenty two years is a long time for a cat and I feel so happy to have had them with Merlin. It's amazing how they become so much a part of one's life. I told him everything and he'd listen and react as needed, most often with a cuddle. He was a good lad and I miss him so much.
I think of him often and mostly they are happy thoughts but, of course, it makes me miss him and his antics. What a great friend he was. I miss him so much.