The cat, sensing the deep sadness and unshakable pain of the boy, quietly crept onto his lap, purring soothingly, looking into his eyes, and nuzzling his cheeks with her nose…
On an old cotton quilt, carefully spread out by a kindly grandmother in a basement beneath the warmest pipe in the house, lay a cat, watching her kittens with wary eyes. The tiny basement window was narrow, and every so often, a sharp gust of wind would sneak in, its icy fingers brushing the feline family.
The kittens, oblivious to the cold, chased each other about, scrambling for scraps of stuffing theyd plucked from the battered cover. A particularly bitter draught swept over them, and with pitiful squeaks, the kittens dashed to the warmth of the pipe and snuggled against their mothers soft side.
While licking her young, the cat fretted over what lay ahead. Their sheltered and relatively comfortable life seemed to have come to an abrupt end. The kindly grandmother, who always made sure they had a bite to eat, hadnt visited in three days. Was she unwell? Or was something worse afoot? Somehow, she had to find foodfor her kittens and for herself.
With a heavy sigh, the cat gathered her little ones close, as if instructing them to be quiet, and padded silently to the window. Nimbly springing onto the ledge, she flinched as the wind ruffled her fur. Picking her way onto the cold ground, she set out to hunt for food.
Near the entrance of the grocers, she managed to nibble on a bit of budget tin food, which she shared with another stray. It was better than nothing, but there was no way to bring food back for her kittens, and leading them there was far too risky.
By the butchers, the owner put out some frozen scraps, brushing them off a board onto cardboard. So many creatures gathered that the cat didnt even bother to approach. Besides, a dog quickly scattered the group and snatched up every last morsel.
With her paws numb, any further searching threatened disaster. Empty-handed, she found her way back to the basement. On the way, she noticed a large building aglow with coloured lights and bustling crowds.
Curiosity finally got the better of her exhaustion. Tucking one paw beneath herself, she watched as adults shepherded children inside. Every face glowed with smiles, laughter ringing out.
Seizing the right moment, she slipped in among the people, hugging the wall until she found herself in a large hall. Hiding beneath a chair, her eyes widened as she took in the scene.
Smartly dressed children danced hand in hand around a Christmas tree, singing festive songs while their parents looked on with loving smiles. The tree sparkled with lights, twinkling in the shiny baubles, lending a magical air to the room.
Soon a man in a fluffy white beard strode in, a sack slung over his shoulder. He spoke cheerfully, cracked jokes, and began handing out gifts to the children. When the party was over and the guests had gone, the house lights flickered on and the trees glow faded. Only the bearded man and a young woman in a pale blue dress remained.
The cat, warmed and enchanted by what she had witnessed, lingered beneath the chairwhere she was eventually spotted…
Patrick, a cadet from Sandhurst, had come home for Christmas break. At the childrens home, he received a warm welcome from Mrs. Margaret and the resident cat, Missy. Noisy children surrounded him, tugging at his arms and chattering news all at once. Missy, eyes narrowed in that patient feline way, waited quietly until Patrick was free. Once he was, he scooped her up, holding her tight and listening fondly to her gentle purr.
The cat shut her eyes, savouring the reunion. Years ago, rescuing her and her kittens had saved Patrick as well. From that meeting, he discovered a faith in kindness and a belief in himself.
The next day, he hurried over to Emily, a school leaver dreaming of studying medicine. Her father, Dr. John Thompson, led the childrens ward at the hospital and had an idea for them:
Its Christmasa truly magical time. Sadly, my young patients only see the merriment through the windows. Why not put on a show for them? Might do them some good, spur their recovery.
Eager, they sprang into action. Mrs. Margaret tracked down some costumes, and the performance turned out so lively that they repeated it for the children at the home. The delight was contagious.
Their impromptu show caught the attention of Mrs. Jenkins, director of the railway clubthe childrens homes patronwho persuaded them to perform two more times. How could anyone refuse bringing happiness to children?
Emilylook, weve still got one more audience member! Patrick, pulling off his beard, nodded towards the cat beneath the chair.
Shes chosen to stay after everyones left. Must have enjoyed it more than anyone else, Emily laughed. Think you can find her a treat?
She needs a meal first, Patrick replied. Lets share our snack.
Emily retrieved a foil-wrapped parcel from her bag. The smell was more tempting than the cat could resist and, deciding not to flee, she stood expectantly.
Here you go, love, Emily offered a circle of sausage.
The cat, barely daring to believe her luck, rose on her hind legs and carefully took the treat. She almost gulped it down, but thinking of her hungry kittens, hesitated, meowed plaintively, and headed towards the exit, looking back at the humans with pleading eyes.
Go on, eat here, Emily cooed, stroking her back. No ones going to take it off you.
Shes starving, Patrick murmured.
She wont eat it here, Patrick mused thoughtfully. Her kittens are somewhere, hiding and hungry. Shell take everything to them. Missy used to do exactly the same.
He eased open the door, and the cat slipped silently into the night.
The pair watched as she scurried across the frosty square to vanish into the dark window of the house opposite.
Weve got a couple of sandwiches left, havent we? Patrick asked softly.
Yes, two or three, Emily replied, looking in her bag, but he gently stopped her.
Lets leave them for the cat. Did you see where she went?
Within moments, the kittens devoured the slice of sausage, then stared imploringly at their mother, hoping for more. She turned away, trying to ignore the cramp in her empty belly, the flavour of the treat lingering on her tongue.
Before long, crunching footsteps sounded at the basement window, followed by the familiar voices:
Here, kitty, kitty Come on out, weve brought you some food
The same warm voices, the same delicious aroma! The cat darted to the window, where neatly arranged ham and bread waited. The young man and woman kept their distance so she wouldnt be scared away. Grabbing a snack, she vanished again into the basement darkness.
Thats where she keeps her kittens, Patrick said thoughtfully, eyeing the window.
Weve fed them tonight and well feed them tomorrow, said Emily, pulling her mitten over her nose as the cold set in. But they dont just need feeding. They need homes. Come on, Patrickyoure Father Christmas! Work your magic!
Absolutely, he nodded. Right, wheres the entrance to the basement?
The next day, Father Christmas met parents and children at the clubs doors, quietly speaking to several grownups. Later, grinning, he told Emily: All three kittens had homes!
During the show, the children received presentsand three lucky ones were called up for a special gift from Father Christmas himself. Patrick had picked their new owners carefully: good children with mothers who had promised to care for their furry little friends. His time in care had given him a sharp instinct for truly kind people.
The cat showed no protest. She seemed to understand this was for the best. Still, a gentle need for affection lingered in her small hearta longing to care for and be needed. In their costumes, Emily and Patrick sat down beside her on the bench, stroking her reassuringly.
A man approached, carefully wheeling a boy of about six in a chair. A quiet sorrow echoed in the childs gaze. He met the cats eyes, and she, in turn, watched him with interest.
Im sorry, the man began. Are there any kittens left? Henry so dearly wanted one wed hoped for a Christmas miracle from Father Christmas himself. If only wed known sooner…
Theyve all found homes, Emily said gently, spreading her hands.
He doesnt need a kitten, Patrick said kindly, looking at the boy. Hes now got the best friend he could wish for.
Sensing the boys loneliness and quiet hurt, the cat made her way onto his lap, purring low, locking eyes with him and gently rubbing his cheeks with her nose, as if promising safety and peace.
Everything will be alright Youll see, things will get better, her purr seemed to say. Ill be near, keep your hurt at bay, and bring you little bits of joy
Henry smiled, wrapping both arms around her and burying his face in her soft fur. His voice was barely a whisper:
Kitty my Kitty
Sitting down at home afterwards, I thought about it all. Sometimes, kindness means simply being there, with no words or grand gesturesjust quiet understanding and a warm presence. That Christmas, the cat found a home, but in truth, it was the people around her whose hearts had truly been healed.
