echo in an empty pipe

 The cat makes noises in the dark, purring, groaning, meow type noises, not noisy, just regularly every few seconds. Get up in the dark, walk over to where the door is known to be, reach down to where the cat probably is. A hard fur-covered skull confirms feline prescence, open the door. The dim light from the status LEDs on the sons small server computers shows the cat standing there in the doorway. She makes more sounds, maybe trying to coax some human company. Turn on the hallway lights. The cat looks up, both eyes almost closed in dazzlement. She makes another sound.
The flagstones are cold, step back into the bedroom and close the door. Hear the cat flap flop, as the cat gives up the idea of human company and goes about her business on the balcony.

It is dark, it is cold, and it is Sunday. 
go back to bed.

On the next awakening see that it is just light. Clean and fill the espresso machine in the kitchen, get a white cup from the cupboard in the hall, wait until the green light has gone out and press the button. With a hum and then a sudden release of pressure the machine pumps hot coffee into the cold cup. 

 The cat has returned. It wants
cat food.
There is a tin in the fridge. Feed the cat by putting a dollop of the stuff onto her plate.She eats noisily, with a great smacking of lips.

Take the coffee into the bedroom, start the computer and read the day's news. Then put on the clothes and go into the sitting room. It is desolate, and in its usual state of squalid mess. Lie down on the couch, the hissing in the head rises, there are other tones there now too A rumble, like an echo in an empty pipe. Cover up with a blanket and try to go to sleep.

Succeed.

And when awake again, see that the rest of the family are awake too.