When my wife saw who Id brought home this time, she laughed so hard that the three kittens, startled by the commotion, scurried to hide behind her legs. The mother cat, spotting her offspring, wriggled free from my arms and immediately began fussing over them, licking their little heads as if shed been waiting for this reunion.
As a driver for a small delivery van, I spent my days shuttling all sorts of minor orders about town. Our depot sat just beyond the city, surrounded by a handful of identical vans. It had a parking lot, a break room for a quick bite, and a little machine to clock us in and out.
That morning, I slid behind the wheel and fired up the engine. The old van rattled and coughed as usual. When lunchtime rolled around, I switched it off and was about to join the other drivers at the tables when a strange, persistent noise caught my ear beneath the bonnet.
It sounded like a belt screeching, or as if the fan had struck something, despite the engine being off. With a sigh, I glanced at the others who were happily tucking into their sandwiches, and decided Id better check. Popping the bonnet, I nearly lost my voice from shock. Sitting right on the fan cover next to the cooling grille was the tiniest black kitten, covered in oil, squeaking pitifully.
My legs turned to jelly and I leaned against the van, imagining what might have happened had that little one gotten caught in the moving machinery. Pulling myself together, I gently scooped up the kitten, closed the bonnet, and climbed back into the cab.
At home, my wife was having none of it.
You careless old fool! Did you not think to check the van before you set off? What if youd run him over? If this happens again, you can stay outunderstood?
I protested, hands spread helplessly, while the kitten purred contentedly in her arms, and was promptly whisked away to the bathroom for a clean. From behind the door, I heard cooing, whispers, and smacking kisses.
I sighed heavily, thinking when Id last been on the receiving end of such tenderness. Memory failed me, and I trudged back to work.
The next day, wary from the previous ordeal, I checked under the bonnetclean. Then I squatted down to peek beneath the van. There, sitting quite cheerfully, was an orange-and-white kitten! The moment I leaned in, the little chap mewed loudly and dashed toward me. I picked him up, confused as to how hed appeared. Remembering my wifes stern words, I steered the van home.
This time, she didnt scold me at all. Quite the contrary, she eyed me thoughtfully and said, Well done, John. After twenty years, thats probably your first truly sensible act.
Good man! she declared, then carried the second kitten off for a bath, yesterdays rescue trailing behind.
The day breezed by. I felt remarkably pleased and self-assured. That evening, dinner was a lively affair for fourtwo kittens, who clearly favoured my wife, clambered onto her lap, scratching and tumbling as she laughed, a sound bright and true as in our younger days. I remembered falling in love with her for that very laughter.
The next dawn, nervous now, I stooped to check under the van again.
Oh Lord I muttered.
There sat a third kittengrey with white markings. I whisked up this new little one and brought him home.
That evening, my wife took me to some local fortune-teller. The woman examined me and proclaimed: two charms, three curses, and the evil eye. In total, a month’s work and five hundred pounds.
The following morning, I truly hesitated before approaching the van. I lingered outside, smoking, trying to steel myself, and eventually peered under. There, staring back at me, was an adult grey cat, her belly saggingundoubtedly the mother of the trio.
What now? I asked, resigned. What have I done wrong this time?
I sighed, opened the van door. The mother cat meowed and nimbly leapt inside.
When I carried her through the doorway that evening, my wife laughed so merrily that the three kittens scampered to her for safety. Mother cat, spotting her brood, slipped from my grasp and immediately fussed over themlicking and grooming with intensity.
I watched, genuinely astonished, as if witnessing such behaviour for the first time.
What on earth is she doing? I asked my wife, baffled.
Oh, you simple soul! she laughed. Havent you realised yet? Shes found safe homes for her kittensand for herself too.
She leant over, stroked the mothers side, and shook her head.
In all my years, she remarked, I never saw such a clever trick. You need a cats mind for that sort of thing.
As the week drew to a close, my wife announced that I was to go fishing. My jaw dropped and my eyes widened.
Go on, get going, she insisted. Im gathering my friends. Dont be underfootagreed?
Alright I replied, unsure whether to be pleased or apprehensive. Not that anyone cared for my opinion at that point.
Before I left, she stepped over and kissed me.
I always knew you were wonderful, she said softly.
Out on the porch, I glanced about.
Lord, its good here! I whispered. Why havent I noticed before?
The birds were singing. It wasnt just outsidetheir song echoed in me, too.
Meanwhile, her friends arrived, each with bottles and snacks. When they settled, the mother cat claimed the centre of the table. The women poured champagne and raised their glasses:
To the wise lady who found homes for her childrenand herself!
No one later recalled what the next toast was for. The mother cat stretched out on the tablecloth, squinting with pleasure. She knew: she was loved, this was her home.
On the sofa, her three kittens napped peacefully, pressed together and softly snoring.
Thats really what it all comes down to. My parting toast is simple:
Good health to clever women, and to their husbands lucky enough to share their lives.
And thats my wish for everyone.
Looking back, I realise sometimes lifes blessings come in the most unexpected waysif youre wise enough to see them and appreciate those you share your days with.
