He found her lying curled in a ball in the gutter. The scum of the day swirling around her. Her fur was matted, snarled and dirty. He scooped her gently into his hands brushing away the dirt and scum left behind. Carefully, he tended her, giving her the space and time she needed. Little stray kitten, lost to all, she huddled, frightened in the corner. Afraid to seek what she so desperately craved- the affection of this man who tended her.

Time went on and a balance was made. She sought him out, rubbing against him, curling into his hands. But if ignored too long, she would scratch and claw her way back to her corner, safe in the knowledge that nothing could strike her from behind. It continued like this, each day her timidity falling a little more. So frightened of being mistreated again by the hand showing affection, she kept to her corner. Always watching him, always hoping for the gentle stroke of his hand, but scratching and hissing if he came too close.

Her fur was no longer matted but lovingly brushed and combed. Taking on the slick look of a well-loved pet. Her green eyes shone with health, her movements carefully choreographed to always be just a few steps from her corner, her safety net. For this was just one more human who would eventually toss her aside.

The days passed into weeks and weeks into months and still she could not fully trust this man. This man who had pulled her from a most certain death.

Soon, the man was busy with other projects, leaving her alone more often. Her previous sense of betrayal took over and each time he came near, she clawed and hissed, but eventually soothing to a purr with his gentle touch. But the scratches grew numerous and the man began to grow weary of them. He started leaving her outside, away from the warmth she had grown to know and love. She was only allowed in occasionally now. Again she flew to her corner, her eyes taking on a wild look. Haunted by memories of being abandoned, she grew more vicious in her scratching. Until the man couldn't take anymore. He put her outside, in the cold, with only some scraps to eat. But the time between when he gave her something grew longer. Her fur lost it's healthy shine and she huddled against the cold. Soon, there were no longer any scraps left for her. Cold, hungry, starved for affection, she approached the man, rubbing against him, trying to regain his affection. Showing him she wanted back in. But the man had no time for her and kicking her aside, he entered his house, cradling a new kitten in his arms. One from the pet shop, one who wouldn't scratch and claw, hiss or bite the loving hand he offered.

And so beaten, she returned to the gutter, her eyes dull, her fur matted and dirty. Back to the way he had found her.

© Dec 9,1999, AMD