The Wonderful Gift: A short story

By Alex Mahon

 

This is a short story about Nina, a blind kitten that sets out on an adventure to find her mother. Along the way she meets two alley cats that help her in her quest. Together, they face many dangers, but they are smart and form a strong bond. With her new-found friends, Nina feels more confident of finding her mother.

 

This story is connected to The Happy Cat's Detective, which is set in a cat's refuge.

 

Thank you for reading.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alex Mahon
• Release date: May 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201780876

Alex Mahon

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1964, but moved to Renfrew when I was seven. After wandering around various countries, working in numerous jobs, I met a woman In Lleida, Spain, who was crazy enough to put with my nonsense and married her. I now work as an English teacher as punishment for my past sins.

Book preview

The Wonderful Gift

Nina spent her days drinking Mother’s milk or squeaking in distress when she was not there. Other times she would angle her ears towards the sounds of her excited siblings at play. She longed to join them, but she was still blind and unsteady on her feet. 

The weeks and days snailed past without her seeing so much as a blurry image. In the fifth week, she asked Mother why this was so.

Mother told her to be patient. Her sight would come eventually. Then she would be able to play as much as she wished.

Nina knew Mother was wise. And also brave. The other kittens had told her stories about Mother fending off dogs and foxes by scratching them with her razor-sharp claws.

On that snowy morning on Christmas Eve, Nina demanded that her siblings let her play with them. They scoffed and poked fun at her. Then Gerald, a black, blue-eyed tomcat who was the oldest, agreed.

Try and catch us, he said. He and the other kittens lined up a few feet away from Nina.

Every time she came close, the kittens scattered in all directions.

Come on, slowcoach, said one of her sisters. Try to catch us.

Missed again! said Gerald."

Too slow, said the others.

Curled up on the sofa, Mother opened a bleary eye and watched them. When Nina started sobbing in frustration, Mother scolded her family. Then she picked Nina up by the scruff of her neck and