She mewed softly, hopefullyas if pleading for helpbut passersby either didnt hear or pretended not to. The trembling puppy, shivering with fear, flinched every time someone walked past, its wide eyes reflecting sheer terror.
Every morning, she walked five houses down to the taxi rank, where one of the cabs always took her to the office. She worked as a financial analysta demanding job that involved advising companies, spotting inefficiencies, and optimising processes.
With such a hectic schedule, her personal life had gradually faded to nothing. Mornings were spent at the computer, evenings were just about mustering enough energy to collapse into bed. Day after day.
But that was just the backdrop. The real story was about something else.
To reach work by eight, she had to be at the taxi stand by half past seven. The firm was in another part of town.
That particular day, there were no cabs waiting, so she had to stand around for a bit. Hugging herself against the wind, she turnedperhaps stirred by the rustling leaves, or maybe she just felt someone watching.
In the narrow gap between buildings, she saw them: a stately grey cat and a tiny, shivering puppy huddled beside it. The cat occasionally licked the pup and glanced warily at the passing crowd.
She mewed quietly, but no one responded. The puppy flinched at every footstep, burrowing deeper under its protector, who draped a comforting tail around it and nuzzled its side.
The woman rummaged in her bag, pulled out a hefty ham and cheese sandwich, and placed the ham near the cat. The rest, she set before the puppy, who flattened itself against the pavement, too frightened to move.
The cat merely studied her, gave a soft *mrrp*, andbefore touching her hand with its headshielded the pup again, licking it gently as it tentatively nibbled at the food.
She didnt realise shed been staring until an irritated cabbie barked:
“Oi! You deaf or what? Get in alreadylets go!”
The next day, she brought them food. Deep down, she hoped theyd still be there. And they were. The cat greeted her with a happy chirp, the puppy wagged its tail. From then on, she brought breakfast every morning and left something tasty in the evenings.
That morning, rain poured down. She hurriedtoday would be chaotic. After sprinting the usual distance, she put down their meal, stroked the cat and the puppy, then straightened uponly to lock eyes with the caretaker.
“Bloody strays!” he grumbled. “Now Ive got to clean up this mess. Sod off!” He raised his broom and swung at the animals.
The puppy yelped and cowered behind the cat, who arched like a drawn bow, shielding it with her body, eyes squeezed shut, bracing for the blow.
The woman didnt remember stepping forward. Some instinct shoved herright into the brooms path.
It struck her leg and side with a clatter. Pain flared. She gasped, instinctively covering her face.
The caretaker froze. “BlimeyII didnt meanSorry! Didnt see you”
She ignored him. Her focus was on the cat and puppy. The cat watched her, astonished. The puppy peeked out from behind its protector, tail wagging timidly. Gritting her teeth, she knelt and stroked them both.
At work, her boss gasped at her scratched leg and laddered tights. “Good grief! Who did this?”
After hearing the story, she grabbed her phone. “Im calling the police! Hitting a woman with a broom? The mans unhinged!”
“Dont,” the woman said softly. “Please dont.”
“Are you mad? You cant just let him off!”
“Im not forgiving him. I just dont want him chasing them away. Let them stay.”
“Fine,” her boss said firmly. “Bring them here tomorrow. Ill sort a shelter. A good one. I know the director. Theyll stay together. Agreed?”
“Alright,” she nodded, though something inside her rebelled.
She barely slept that night. The word *shelter* haunted her dreams. She jerked awake, heart hammering. At dawn, bleary-eyed, she gathered food and stepped into the chilly rain.
Five houses. Not far, but today it felt endless. She rushed, still undecided. She set down the food, turned to leave
The cabbie honked, shouting through the window. She waved*coming*when a gust flipped her umbrella inside out. A sudden, frantic yowl. The cat darted to her feet.
“Whats wrong, love?” she murmured, stroking its soggy fur. “They say the shelters nice youll be together fed”
Who was she convincing? The cat? The puppy?
Herself. Obviously.
The cabbie roared offonly for a lorry to slam into it, crushing the taxi against a wall.
Silence. Eerie, broken only by raindrops hitting puddles.
Thenscreams. Sirens. Everyone sprinted toward the wreck. She just stood there.
Watching the cat.
It sat calmly on the wet tarmac. The puppy pressed into its side. Both looked at her.
She picked up her ruined umbrella, glanced at the sky. Rain slid down her face, gentle now, almost soothing.
She tossed the umbrella aside, shrugged off her coat, and draped it near the cat. “Come on. Were going home.”
The cat noddedthen gently scooped up the puppy by its scruff. She walked back, cradling her coat, two little hearts nestled inside.
The rain kept falling. Salty or just wetit didnt matter.
Her leg and side didnt hurt anymore. Not at all. And for the first time in ages, she smiled.
From a distance, the caretaker scowled. “Probably called the cops Serves you right” He spat in disgust.
Five houses. Just five houses left.
Five steps into a new life.
A life with warmth, kindness, and the priceless seconds of true humanity.
And still, the rain poured. As if angels were weeping. For us. For our haste. For our cold hearts.
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