Welcome back to part two of A Christmas Kindness by Anna Scoyles.
If you're ready to listen to the story,
I hope you're snuggling nice and comfy and cosy and I'll begin reading to you now.
Lily packed herself a Christmas sandwich on her way in for her day shift.
Then she began her first day at the homeless shelter.
It was Christmas day.
Are you okay to prepare some of the vegetables and then serve out the meal?
The manager asked as he prepped the potatoes ready for roasting.
Yes,
Of course.
She happily peeled and sliced whilst chatting to the other volunteers who were all wearing Christmas hats.
They were a friendly bunch.
She was glad of the company.
This certainly beat her last Christmas sitting at home all by herself.
They served the meal and then gave out some small presents to the men and women who had come out of the cold for some warmth and seasonal cheer.
As Millie was putting out the rubbish,
She noticed a small cat hiding behind the bin.
She spoke softly to it,
Holding out her hand to coax it towards her.
Here,
Kitty,
Kitty.
The pretty little ginger cat stayed where she was.
Millie went back into the building and found some spare scraps of turkey with a few baby carrots and gravy.
Putting them out on a saucer to tempt her,
The little cat cautiously came out from behind the bin to take a few morsels.
She scoffed them and then let Millie stroke her.
I'll get you some water,
She told her gently,
Not wanting to scare the timid little cat.
The cat drank thirstily and then sat down to wash herself.
It was so cold outside,
Millie didn't know what to do.
Stay there,
She said,
Shivering,
Desperate to help her new little friend.
Turning to go back inside,
The manager opened the door and peered out.
Are you all right here,
Millie?
He called out before seeing her.
Oh,
There you are.
You've been gone a long time.
I was a bit worried about you.
I'm fine,
But I think this cat needs our help.
Have you seen her before?
No,
But she's a pretty little thing,
Isn't she?
Yes,
I think she must be a stray.
She certainly does look a little bit worse for wear.
The manager headed back to the door.
Wait here,
I've got an idea.
Going back into the building,
He re-emerged with a cardboard box.
He handed it to her.
Millie managed to coax the cat towards her and scooped her up into the box,
Making sure there were some air holes in the top so the cat could breathe.
What shall we do with her?
There'll be no bits working on Christmas Day,
Said Millie.
Take her home with you,
Said the manager.
I think she needs a home.
So Millie did just that.
The end.
Night,
Night,
And sleep tight.
