by Shirley Christmas, MMNN Contributor

“Burr it’s so cold,” thought the orange cat. “I wish I had a home of my own,” he said sitting on the steps of the Gift Shop trying to stay warm. Jingle- jingle-jingle was the sound of bells as a horse drawn sleigh stopped in front of the shop. A finely dressed lady got off the buggy and went inside, not taking notice of the orange cat shivering in the corner.

Tabby the cat, walked up to the buggy and began talking to the horse. “Hello Mr. Horse, aren’t you co-cold?” he asked. Mr. Horse looked at the cat, and answered in a rude voice. “No! I have a warm blanket to keep me warm.” Tabby jumped up on the seat of the buggy, “May I sit here a bit?” he asked. The horse turn his head to see the cat snuggling into the blanket on the seat. With a snort Mr. Horse said angrily, “No you can’t. Now go away!”

Tabby went back to the steps and thought sadly about having a blanket and a home of his own. Ding-ding went the bell over the shop door. The finely dressed lady carried beautifully wrapped boxes to the sleigh. As she turned to go back into the shop, she saw the orange cat sitting in the corner. “You, poor kitty, shouldn’t you be curled up next to a warm fireplace?” she said as she patted the cat’s head. Tabby the cat str-etch-ed from head to paws, he sighed as visions of a fireplace, blanket whirled about his furry head. “I wish I had a home of my own.” He said as droplet of a tears fell to the ice-cold steps.

Ding-ding ...