The Stray Cat

Kira walks home from school every day. She takes the same path through the park. The park has tall trees and a small pond. Birds sing in the trees above her.

Today, the walk feels the same at first. Kira listens to music on her phone. She thinks about her homework and dinner. The path is quiet and empty.

Suddenly, she hears a small, sad sound. It comes from behind a big bush. Kira stops and takes out her earphones. She listens again, very carefully.

The sound is soft crying, like a baby. Kira walks closer to the bush. She looks behind the green leaves. A small gray cat sits there alone.

The cat is thin and very dirty. One of its legs looks hurt. It looks up at Kira with big eyes. Kira feels sorry for the little cat.

"Hey there, little one," Kira says softly. "Are you lost?"

The cat doesn't run away this time. Kira slowly holds out her hand. The cat sniffs her fingers and stays still. She picks up the cat very gently.

Kira doesn't know what to do. She can't just leave the cat here. She decides to take it home. Her mom always says she is kind.

Kira wraps the cat in her jacket. She walks fast toward her house now. The cat is warm against her chest. It starts to make a small sound.

At home, Kira's mom opens the door. "What do you have there?" she asks.

"I found a hurt cat in the park," Kira says. "Can we help her, please?"

Her mom looks at the little cat. "Let's clean her up first," she says.

Kira smiles and carries the cat inside.