“Ah, what a purr-fect day it is! A snuggly bed by the window, something that had never crossed my dreams until I met my human. Meow!

A cosy Sunday morning called for story time. This had been our tradition; Rosheen told a story to me and I loved it. Since she was sleeping, should I narrate mine?

So, friends, settle down. Sharpen your claws, curl your tail and be prepared to see the world through my grey feline eyes.

I had always been a curious young kitten. I would wander from street to street, often jumping on rooftops. Oh, the pleasure I got from watching the city from the roof of random houses! I would set out on my adventures in the still dark morning sky. Every time, it was a leap into the unknown.

Without planning, I would stroll through the streets and even sneak into shops. The first visit was usually to the bakery. As soon as I entered through the window, one of the workers would try to pat me. What a nuisance! Then came the yummy part, when he gently put me down and brought me freshly baked bread. Once I finished my breakfast, I moved on.

Suddenly, the sky transformed. It hid all the magical sunlight. Thunder cracked across the sky. Before I could register what was happening, the sky started weeping loudly. The cold tears falling on me sent shivers down my spine. It was so cold that I could barely stand. I slipped, completely drenched.

That was when I first met her — a human, lean and strange, yet exuding kindness. She scooped me into something warm and dry. Muttering some words that I did not understand, she took me with her. Warmth engulfed me.

As soon as we reached her home, she placed something down that I later recognised as tuna. Delicious! So, I did what any reasonable feline would do, I pounced on her. She tickled me and I giggled.

Humans seemed to enjoy naming things, and so did she. “Hope”, yes, that was the name she gave me. I guess it suited me… oh, the little bundle of hope I was! I assumed the name complimented me; I was agile, slinky and had a knack for vanishing at will. But she had other names that she called me, depending on her mood: Peanut, Cupcake and the ever-bizarre, “Who is a good kitty?”

Adapting to indoor life did not take as long as I expected. My human, Rosheen, had all the essentials any feline could want — tasty food, water and a cosy lap just the right size for an afternoon nap. It was relatively easy for me to establish my place in her life.

Every morning, I would jump and sit on the bed and tenderly rub my paw on her face. Until she woke up, I constantly bugged her. Then it was my turn to tail her. As I slowly enjoyed my breakfast, I watched Rosheen hurriedly run around and get ready for school. Oh, my human was so slow!

Then I watched her leave. That was the most depressing part of the day. I loitered here and there, waiting for her to get back home. Nothing seemed entertaining.

Three. Two. One. As soon as I heard the horn of her school bus, I rushed to wait by the door every single day. She thought it was adorable. I thought it was mandatory; after all, she should witness that I was the best decision she had ever made.

One fine afternoon, as I was waiting for her, disaster struck, she brought home a dog. Can you believe it? A dog! A slavering, tail-wagging whirlwind of energy!

How could she be this disloyal? I wondered if this tail-wiggling, foolish dog had done black magic on her… but a second thought came to me. Maybe I should observe them and then show them who they were dealing with — me, a cat!

However, over time, I realised that this dog was not as much of a nuisance as I expected him to be. He was robust and unusually loyal. And the cherry on top was him being easily manipulated into giving up his tasty food. We chase each other around the house. I actually enjoy having someone besides my human to play with. Oh, what a wonderful life I lead here!

Hey, where is that dimwit going without me? Is he playing without inviting me?

Bye, friends, I have to chase that dog!

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 20th, 2025