So, picture this: an old grey cat was sitting out by the entrance of his block of flats in a quiet English town. This had been his home for years, where hed lived with his beloved elderly gran. She absolutely doted on him, thought the world of him. The memory of her made something warm purr deep in his chest, but the comfort didnt last. When his gran passed away, loads of people turned up, but when shed been alive, hardly anyone ever came round. Once the funeral was over and everyone had gone, he was left all alone. The flats door had been locked, and now he was out on the street.
This big, elderly cat, with fur the colour of rain clouds, settled himself right by the entrance, where he and his gran once watched the world go by. The bitter winter wind tugged at his thick coat, and people walked past heads down, rushing through their own urgent little dramas. Everyone looked so busy, hurrying home with gifts, because it was New Years Eve.
His empty tummy rumbled and, honestly, he needed the loo but whats a cat supposed to do without a litter tray? Just go in the street? Not likely. He peered up at the stream of people, hoping someone might notice, but nobody did. There was no one to answer the question in his eyes.
So, he curled up on the cold pavement and closed his eyes. He had nowhere left to go. It was getting dark, and the snow began to flutter down, melting against his warm fur, which soon grew icy and damp. He was freezing, shivering even more when the glow of windows flickered on, and the sound of laughter and the smells of roast dinner drifted out onto the street. His tummy gurgled even louder, but there was nothing for him to eat.
The winter wind whipped up, sending flurries of snow swirling, blanketing the road and everything on it. Just then, a sudden bang made him look up. Fireworks were bursting in the sky overhead for a few brief moments, the entire street was painted in bright, sparkling colours, like daytime come early. But as quickly as the lights came, the dark and the chill rushed back in. The pavements were empty. Everyone else was inside, celebrating in the warmth.
He shut his eyes again, preparing himself for what he thought might be his last night. Its alright, he thought, this wont last. Soon itll be warm again, and Ill see Gran.
Suddenly, someone approached. He opened his eyes and looked. Towering in front of him were a pair of enormous boots. Easier this way, he figured, just one swift kick and itll all be over. But then he felt himself being scooped up a pair of hands, gentle and warm, lifted him off the ground.
There you are! came a voice, deep but unexpectedly soft. Looking up, the cat saw a big mans beaming face he remembered him from Grans funeral.
Weve been looking all over for you, mate! the man said, clearly relieved. Weve been running round the estate all evening. My fault, really thought my wife had got you, she thought Id sorted it. Sorry about that! And before the cat knew it, the bloke was hurrying off, carrying him gently under his arm.
The cat watched as the familiar buildings flew past in a blur. They stopped at a car, and the man opened the door, placed him lovingly on the seat, and set about drying his sodden fur with a pile of football shirts from the boot.
Lets get you cleaned up and warm, and then were off, he mumbled kindly.
Wrapping him up in a soft, toasty towel, the man started the engine, and off they went along the snowy, festive streets. With one hand on the wheel and the other clutching his phone, the big man shouted excitedly into it:
Love, I found him! Yes, I have! Honestly, right outside the block, just lying there. Hes fine dont worry. Well be home in five and all ring in the New Year together! he said, grinning ear to ear, tucking the phone between his shoulder and cheek.
He glanced back at the cat, maybe to say a few reassuring words, but the cat was already fast asleep and if anyone ever tells you cats cant smile, just ignore them, because he definitely was. Deep inside, a little engine of happiness thudded away contentedly in his chest.
So you see, never let anyone tell you New Years Eve isnt for magic or happy endings. Miracles do happen sometimes youve just got to give them a nudge. And with a bit of luck, therell be many more to follow.
Happy New Beginnings, my friend.
