The Spirit of Giving

By Tyler Johnston

The fire crackles enticingly as the flames lick up the logs teasingly. Outside the snow falls lightly, covering the world in a soft blanket of white; the snowflakes sparkling in the low light against the black sky. A warm blanket covers his shoulders and a mug of hot cocoa rests in his hands. The soft pitter-pat of feet draws nearer as a small kitten finds him again. With all her effort she jumps up onto the couch to crawl across his lap. 

"Meow."

"Mow." He mimics, smiling gently at the kitten. She walks back into his lap and rubs her head gently against his hand, silently pleading for him to pet her.

"I know, I know." He coos softly to her. She walks in a circle, and plops down across his legs so they can watch the fire together. "You know, this house would be really lonely without you." He says to the cat. As if understanding his words the kitten turns its head to look at Jeremy and starts purring softly. Love and adoration swell within his eyes as the first time they met flashes back in his mind...

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The day was cold and snowing. Everyone was bundled up in heavy jackets or hiding in their heated and rooms. But he saw this little white shape that was shaking by one of the cars. Only when it turned its head to look at him did he realize it was a shivering cat. This little kitten couldn't be more than a few weeks old but it was terrified and was left out in the cold, all alone. Immediately, he left the warmth of his car to retrieve the kitten. Its movements were slow and sluggish because of the cold and it couldn't escape him. The cat put up a small fight at first but as he held it close and shared his warmth the kitten started to settle. When the car door closed behind him, Jeremy released the cat and it jumped into the backseat to crawl beneath the chair and out of sight. He then took the car back home and made sure the heater was on.

When Jeremy had parked the car in his driveway, he took a peek to look for the kitten. To his surprise, the small kitten was curled up and asleep near the heater beneath the seat. Ever so gently, he reached under the seat to lift the kitten just enough to bring it out from under the seat. As it emerged into the light, its eyes opened and its head spun, obviously scared or confused by its changing environment. But as the kitten squirmed in his arms, he carried into his home. Once safely inside, he let the kitten jump down and run free. The small kitten ran as fast as its legs could carry it, searching for a hiding place. Relieved to see the life and energy return to the cat, Jeremy set upon getting the cat some food and water. Although he didn't have any cat food at the time, some diced chicken would do the trick until he had the chance to get some actual cat food.

Jeremy carefully set the bowls of food and water down on the floor in the kitchen and left the room. The kitten was timid and cautious as it snuck back through the rooms, curious to find the human that saved it from the cold. He casually went on to do his own thing as the cat was left to its own devices. Yet as he was relaxing on the couch he heard a faint sound coming from the kitchen. Slowly he turned his head toward the sound, only to see the baby kitten lapping slowly at the cool, fresh water. He watched this small cat for a while and a smile crept across his face. The cat sniffed at the chicken and took a tentative nibble. To its surprise it tasted delicious and it nearly scarfed down the entire bowl.

After devouring its meal, the kitten raised its head and found Jeremy watching it from across the room. Initially alarmed, the cat froze but seeing as no attempt to get closer or harm it was made it tenderly started to creep closer. After circling the couch curiously the small kitten leapt up onto the couch next to him, sniffing the nearby air. He extended his hand slowly, offering it up to the kitten. After curiously checking the hand offered to it, it pressed its head up against his palm. A gentle purr escaped the small creature as a toothy grin broke the sealed smile Jeremy wore across his face.

Timidly the creature crawled into his lap and walked in a few circles before it plopped down across Jeremy's legs. The purring resonated within his soul as the Kitten accepted it Jeremy and its new home.

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The fire starts to die out as the night grows long and the snow grows ever taller. The kitten sleeps gently across Jeremy's lap as his eyelids get heavier. Reluctantly, he stirs in his chair, waking his beloved companion. Carefully he moves her onto the couch beside him as he gets up to head to bed. As Jeremy heads to his room the kitten sleepily follows in his wake. As the warm cocoon of blankets envelops Jeremy, the kitten finds her place beside him; staying close to her best friend and savior. The duo has become inseparable since that fortunate day in which Jeremy gave the small kitten a home to call its own.