Alright, lads, fishing can wait, Victor decided, grabbing the landing net. Weve got to save the poor thing.
Victor steered the boat across the calm waters of Lake Windermere, while his passengersholidaymakers from Londonenthusiastically cast their lines. The day was perfect: the sun shone brightly, a gentle breeze blew, and the fish were biting eagerly.
Victor, looksomethings floating over there! one of the tourists suddenly shouted, pointing into the distance.
The captain squinted, peering across the water.
Looks like a bird Wait, no, something odd.
As the boat drew closer, everyone exchanged surprised glances. There, barely staying afloat, was a cat desperately thrashing in the water. Ginger, soaked, and utterly exhausted.
Blimey! Victor shook his head. Howd he end up out here? The shores half a mile away!
Maybe he fell off another boat? one tourist suggested.
Or the current carried him, added another.
The cat let out a pitiful meow and tried to swim toward them, but his strength was fading fast.
Right, lads, fishings on hold, Victor declared, seizing the net. Were rescuing this poor sod.
Pulling the cat aboard wasnt easyhe was terrified, clawing and thrashing. But they managed to scoop him into the net and lift him gently onto the deck.
Poor things knackered, Victor sighed, wrapping the shivering cat in an old jacket. How long was he in there?
The cat huddled in a corner of the deck, watching them with cautious, frightened eyes. His wet fur stuck out in every direction, whiskers twitching.
What a beauty, one of the tourists wives cooed. And still so young.
Best get him to a vet, Victor fretted. Who knows how much water hes swallowed.
The vet examined the cat and reassured them all:
Hes healthy, just worn out. Dehydrated and scaredbut hell live. Give him ten days rest, and hell be right as rain.
Should we try finding his owners? Victor asked.
Could put up notices. But looks like a stray to meproper street cat.
Victor took the cat home. His wife, Margaret, welcomed their new guest warmly:
Oh, you poor skinny thing! Well fatten you up in no time!
For the first few days, the cat hid under the sofa, only venturing out to eat. Slowly, he began exploring his new home. Within a week, he was purring as Margaret stroked his back.
You know, Victor said to his wife, maybe we ought to keep him. Doubt his owners will turn up now.
I dont mind, Margaret smiled. Ive always wanted a kitten. What should we call him?
Lucky, Victor answered at once. Not every cat survives open water.
Hearing his new name, the cat lifted his head and let out a loud meowas if approving the choice.
A month passed, and Lucky had become part of the family. He greeted Victor at the door, curled up on Margarets lap, and expertly begged for fish in the kitchen. Only one thing remainedhe still avoided water, even approaching his bowl cautiously.
Must be traumatised, Margaret told the neighbors. Cant blame him after that.
Maybe it was meant to be, their neighbor Mrs. Thompson mused. Swam right to you, didnt he?
Victor scratched the cat fondly behind the ears.
Maybe it was. Glad we went fishing that day. Otherwise
The ginger cat rubbed against his hand and purred contentedly, as if to say, *Its all right. Im here now. For good.*
And Victor and Margaret silently agreed.
Sometimes, help given at the right moment turns into the most unexpected happiness. Sometimes, rescue comes not where you seek it, but where luck sails right to you. The trick is not to miss that moment when someone needs you.
Because its in those moments that new, unexpected love enters your life. And though the start was roughthe strongest bonds often form in the hardest times.
