New Friend’s Kitten

CEBU, Philippines —  “Meow, meow!” a cat was crying so early in the morning. Nestor heard it the night before yet. “I wonder where that kitty could be,” he thought to himself.

Today he was polishing his shoes and getting ready for school when he heard it again “meow, meow…” Nestor looked outside the window and there it was, just beside the flower pot, a small ball of fur with eyes so wide and attentive. It jumped into the room as soon as he opened the window.

The kitten rubbed its head, body and tail against Nestor’s legs. It continued to cry. It looked clean and harmless so he picked it up in his arms and wrapped it in a towel. He went down the living room to show it to his mother, Mrs. Enriquez. “Mom! There’s a cat in my room! Look!” he said.

Mrs. Enriquez stopped sweeping the floor and looked to see what her son was talking about. “Oh my, it’s so adorable! But how did it get into your room?” she asked.

“It was just outside my window. Please, mom, can I keep it? I’ve always wanted a pet,” Nestor begged. “I’d like to call it Louie.”

“Honey, I’d love to have him stay with us, too, but Louie’s owner must be looking for him.” Mrs. Enriquez explained to her son, who seemed to have fallen in love with the kitten. Nestor was going to convince his mom again when “peep, peep, peep!” the school bus came to pick him up.

Nestor gave the kitten to his mother. “Mom, would you please give Louie something to eat? Kindly take care of him while I’m gone.” He kissed his mother goodbye, patted the kitten’s head and ran towards the school bus waiting outside.

That afternoon, Nestor couldn’t wait to be home. He was so excited to play with Louie. On his way out from school, he saw a girl crying in the hallway. She looked familiar, so he approached her and asked, “Hey, what’s wrong?” When she looked at him, he realized that she was the new girl in the neighborhood. They just moved in about three days before.

“I lost my cat last night. My brother’s pet dog got out of the cage and chased it around the house. It escaped through the back door,” she sobbed.  “I’m so worried. He’s still very small.”

“Actually, I think I know where your pet is. Your family just moved in a few days ago, right? I’m Nestor, by the way,” he introduced himself.

“I’m Ina,” she wiped her tears and followed Nestor to the school bus. “I think I saw you around. We must be neighbors.”

Nestor returned the cat to Ina. “I called him Louie,” he quietly said.

“Ah, it’s okay. I haven’t named him yet. We can call him Louie,” she offered. Nestor smiled. He was so happy to have gained a new friend and a pet that they both love.  - Zaida Marie A. Tambis