Julie Herckenrath

Just then a small blonde haired girl appeared at the side of the road. She was clutching a bug catcher and net. Sensing that something was wrong, she cautiously approached the men. “What are you doing with MY Kitty?”, she asked. “This is YOUR Kitty”? “Yes”, replied Caity. “She’s been gone for hours and my mother sent me out to look for her.” “Well here you go little lady,” said Frank, as he handed Kitty to the little girl. “I’m just glad we found her rightful owner. “We were going to turn her in.” “Thank you, but she belongs with me”.

Kitty purred her happiest purr. She had never seen the little girl before and did not know why she was here, but something told her that everything was going to be just fine.

Caity tucked the cat into her oversized coat pocket, wiped her brow and started back home along the dusty road. Kitty took a long last look at the barn and heaved a heavy sigh. She knew she could never go back, but she felt happy and safe in the arms of her new friend.

They walked for about half a mile before Caity began to speak. “So what’s a little cat like you doing all alone here? Where are your parents?” Kitty wanted so badly to answer, but all she could do was purr as she rubbed up against Caity’s chest. “Those men were ready to take you away. It’s a good thing I came by when I did. And luckily I’m a quick thinker, too.” Kitty nodded her head in agreement. “You must be hungry. I’m going to take you home and get you something to eat. You’re a scrawny little thing.”