Miss Carnation

A stray kitten crying for help from a tree triggers powerful childhood memories of abandonment, loneliness, and the deep hope that someone kind would finally come to the rescue. Cry for Help I heard the crying behind the concrete wall that separates our house from a wild stretch of land filled with trees and  grass. At first, I pretended not to hear it. I told myself the sound would stop soon.  I tried to ignore it. But the tiny cries kept coming. It was two days before New Year’s Eve—not exactly the best time to bring home another animal. Everything was already busy and chaotic. On top of that, we already had six cats. And every late afternoon, one regular stray shows up at our door for some nibbles. Our small home was already full of whiskers, paws, and hungry mouths.  There was simply no room for another furry baby. Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself. The Peek I Couldn't Resist Still… curiosity won. “I’ll just peek,” I told myself. Just a quick look. So I w...

My steps were quiet and calculated. What I intended to do was,  I would jump-scare this feral cat, who was sitting in one corner of our garage,  "Perhaps if I don't move,  this lady will not notice me." is the vibe I was getting from her. I was staring at her ears and the back of her head. She can feel my presence advancing toward her. I didn't care about cats.  After Sophie passed away a few months prior, I unconsciously shifted all my attention to my four dogs. It was Jino, my youngest son, who made an effort to befriend this single-fanged kitty. We decided to call her Rabiya. Every morning she would come by, asking for nothing but Cuties Catz food. She would let out a soft cry and follow me rubbing her body on my legs.  Her visit to our home has become frequent as time went by. Sometimes she would bring a friend or two, too. Eventually, this meek and quiet cat started becoming loud. She would let out a "meow" that sounded like she was begging for your hel...