The Adventures of Angel: A Kitten's Story

By Ross Alan Hahn

When Mamakitty’s newest kitten is born, the owners of the New England farm where they live are away on a short vacation, and the kitten comes into the world in the sock drawer of a bedroom dresser. The farmer and his wife return to find the tiny, perfectly white kitten with her mother, and they name her Angel.

From then on, Angel has many kitten lessons. Indoors, she learns to walk, where not to take a nap, and that kittens and hair driers just don’t mix. Exploring outdoors, she gets chased by hummingbirds, meets the kittens who live in the barn and learns new games to play. As she grows older and gets bigger, Angel has a series of adventures that teach her about the importance of friendship, self-confidence, and bravery—even in the face of a deadly enemy, a fox.

In this novel, a kitten grows from a newborn to adolescence, faces challenges and learns many important lessons while getting to know the amazing world around her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Jun 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665723176

Ross Alan Hahn

Ross Alan Hahn lives in mainland Gloucester, Massachusetts, on beautiful Cape Ann. He is an author, performing guitarist, composer, music instructor, and, most of all, a lifelong cat lover. Author photo by Cassandra Lauren Photography.

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Copyright © 2022 Ross Alan Hahn.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical,

including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written

permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this

novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

844-669-3957

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed

since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not

necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2315-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2316-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2317-6 (e)

Archway Publishing rev. date: 06/08/2022

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This work is

dedicated to Esther.

Contents

1   First Light

2   Getting to Know You

3   Bath and Barn

4   Hide and Peek

5   The Fox

6   New Horizons

7   Fall Colors

8   The Rescue

9   All’s Well

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1

FIRST LIGHT

The old town road at the edge of the deep woods wound gradually up the hillside toward the farm. The trees near the stone fence that marked the way seemed much straighter now that their winter coats of snow had been shed. Birds returning to the area sang in the branches as they surveyed last year’s nests and took stock of the needed repairs. Soon those nests would be filled with eggs, so all must be in good order. It was the season of birth.

Where the woods grew thinner, a gravel driveway reached out to the road through a break in the fence. Traveling beneath a pine canopy, it arrived in time at a sturdy farmhouse. There, the evergreens gave way to oaks and maples, and in the front yard, visitors found themselves between the house and a large red barn.

With its chimney to the left and an apple tree bordering on the right, the house shone under a coat of white paint, and blue shutters framed the upper windows. In front of a long open porch, a flower garden waited patiently for spring. Behind the house, the land rose steadily through the forest to the rocky summit of a steep hill. To the right of the barn was a vegetable garden, and beyond that lay the large meadow of the farm.

This house had been home to many families through the years, and each had carefully maintained it in their time. To the current owners, this was more than just a home; it was part of a honeymoon that had never ended. They were very much in love.

While they were away on a short vacation, the only sign of occupation was the open window of the upstairs bedroom. Near that window, branches from the apple tree hovered above the sloping roof. Inside the room, a handsome mother cat slept in an open drawer with a single kitten nestled by her side.

The first rays of sunlight flooded the bedroom. Stirring from a deep sleep, Mamakitty looked out from her makeshift nursery to see a gust of wind catch the lace curtains and send them into a delicate dance. She greeted the new day with a yawn and stretched carefully so not to disturb her kitten. Several days old now and no longer a newborn, there was so much to show her, so much to teach.

One by one, she heard the other animals as they began their days. Soon the entire farm was awake, and the only sounds missing were those of the people. Although the farmer had prepared a proper kitten box for her in the kitchen, Mamakitty had been outside the home when the couple had departed. When the time came for her to give birth, she managed to enter the bedroom through the window, but with its door blown closed by the wind, she had no way of reaching the kitten box. Resourcefully, she’d made the best of the situation and had taken refuge in the drawer. Things hadn’t gone quite as planned, but she wasn’t worried. She knew the people would be returning soon.

As the sun rose higher and the room grew warmer, the young one at her side began to stir. Slowly the kitten turned and raised her sleepy head. Mamakitty smiled with pride as she regarded the two curious eyes gazing up at her, now fully open and wide with wonder. In lovely contrast to the kitten’s pure-white coat were eyes of royal blue. They were the most beautiful eyes the mother cat had ever seen.

Well, hello there, she said. Did you sleep well, kitten?

The snowy bundle with the sapphire eyes was silent. She just continued to stare up at her mother.

What’s wrong? Mamakitty asked. Can’t you think of anything to say?

The kitten drew in a deep breath and replied, Who are you?

Why, I’m your mother. My name is Mamakitty, and you’re my daughter.

Mama? tried the youngster.

Yes, you can call me Mama, granted the older cat as she began to purr.

The kitten studied the sights around her. Rolled into balls, multicolored socks crowded about on either side. They were soft and warm. Her mother’s fur was a combination of black and white, and beneath her head a bright-red sweater served as her pillow. From the drawer she saw a double bed with white sheets and a patchwork quilt. The walls held a variety of small paintings, and on the nightstand stood an old-fashioned lamp. There were so many things to see with her new eyes.

The kitten turned back toward her mother, her head full of questions. She reached out and placed her tiny paw over her mother’s. You’re so big, Mama! she exclaimed. Will I ever be big like you?

Yes, I’m sure that when you grow up you’ll be my size, perhaps even bigger. We’ll have to wait and see.

The kitten surveyed their cozy den in the drawer. She thought for a moment and asked, But if I get as big as you, Mama, how will we both fit into this place?

This was a very reasonable question, though it was hard not to laugh at the thought of two fully grown cats squeezing into the drawer.

Well, it will be quite a while before we have to worry about that, she answered.

The kitten seemed lost in thought.

Mamakitty prompted her. What is it?

You have such a nice name. Who am I? she asked. Do I have a name too?

Not yet, answered the mother cat. We’ll have to wait for the farmer to come home and give you a name.

Who’s the farmer, Mama? Will he come to live here with us?

The farmer is a person, and no, he won’t be living in the drawer. He’s much too big.

Bigger than you, Mama? The kitten’s eyes grew large.

Yes, little one, said replied. He’s much bigger. In fact, he needs this whole house to live in.

He does? The kitten thought for a moment. What’s a house, Mama?

Mamakitty reminded herself that her kitten had never been out of the drawer. Only now was she getting her first glimpse of the world.

The house has many rooms like this one, she explained. It gives us a home where we can always be safe. We share it with the people. It’s been my home for many years, and now it will be your home too.

The kitten looked back at the room. There was so much more here than she’d ever imagined. She tried to stand, but her young legs weren’t strong enough yet. Her mother watched with patience. All of her children had struggled this way. Her kitten laid against some wool socks and sighed.

Mama, will he be home soon? she asked. I want to have a name too.

Her mother reached out a paw and stroked her baby. Very soon—and I’m sure he’ll give you a fine name. She added, I must admit I’m as curious as you are. You’re my first kitten to have such lovely white fur. Why, your coat is perfect! There’s not a marking on you. Surely such a rare beauty must deserve a very special name.

The kitten’s ears picked up at this news. Do you really think so, Mama?

Oh, I’m sure of it.

Excited, the kitten snuggled close to her mother, and following Mamakitty’s example, set about practicing her purr.

A well-used car made its way along the old town road as the couple returned. The traveling that had been such a bother just a few weeks ago had become fun again, and these last few miles from town could be taken at a relaxed pace. No need to worry about getting stuck in snowdrifts anymore. The road was clear, and the only hazards they encountered were the collection of potholes left behind by the stormiest winter anyone could remember. Almost home now, the farmer made the turn onto their driveway and could see the outline of their house beckoning in the distance. His wife rolled down her window, took in a breath of fresh air, and looked across the open pasture. The March sunshine warming the meadow had melted much of the snow, and everywhere little islands of green were emerging proudly. Soon all signs of the harsh winter would be gone.

After parking the car in its familiar spot beside the barn, they began to unload. The farmer stretched after the long drive and then gave a quick look toward the house. He was concerned.

What is it, George? asked his wife.

He grabbed a pair of suitcases from the back of their station wagon and said, Just wondering about Mamakitty. She seemed close to having her litter when we left, and it could have been her time while we were away.

Well, let’s get these things inside, she said. She’s probably in her box right now, waiting to show off her kittens. She reached into the back of the car and plucked out a pair of small bags. I’m sure Mamakitty has everything under control. Give her credit. She’s an old pro at having babies. My goodness, I can’t remember how many there have been through the years. The woman closed the door. To tell the truth, I’m a little surprised that she has any kittens left in her after all this time. Come on, I’ll get the door for you.

Careful of his footing on the slippery ground, the farmer made his way toward the house. As he balanced the suitcases, he strained noticeably under the load and wondered, Why does luggage always seem heavier when the vacation is over? Making his way to the porch, he noticed the apple tree swaying in the wind. He remembered the many mornings Mamakitty had used its branches as her private staircase to their bedroom. Often, he’d been awakened by the gentle touch of his friend as she cuddled close. With the warmer weather returning at last, he’d left that window half-opened, its shutters secured to each side, before they had left. Months of being closed in by the ice and snow had made