Elsie & Charles retired a year when he was called back for a party. Afterwards Charles, anxious to return home, decided not to wait for a ride. Hiking in the storm, he found a large pond across the road. Half-way round, he heard splashing & yowling from a tiny ginger tabby swimming the other way. "Vermin serves you right!" He was about to turn when the kitten disappeared. Pausing and waiting for the mewling to let him know the kitten had surfaced, the night air was silent. What's happens next?
Charles looked around, hoping that anyone would come and save the kitten. But it was hopeless, the weather had driven everyone else inside. He looked at the pond again looking for any sign the kitten was still alive. When no sign came, he sighed then started to wade through the water, looking for a flash of orange.
Finally after several minutes of wading, and getting thoroughly drenched, a flash of orange alerted him to the tabby's presence. He bent down and swiftly picked up the kitten, which fitted into the palm of his hand. He pulled into his chest, pulling out his handkerchief to wrap round it. With the kitten shaking inside his coat he walked back out of the puddle.
When he arrived back at the cottage the kitten had warmed up nicely and was happily purring inside his coat. He opened the door, and Elsie smiled as he walked in. Until she saw how wet he was, then she glared at him.
"Charles. You're soaking! I've just cleaned the floors," Then she heard the purring.
"What is that?" Charles pulled the kitten out of his coat and gave it to Elsie, along with his handkerchief.
"I hate the blasted things, but I know you always wanted a cat and I couldn't let it die," Charles said, in way of an explanation to Elsie's curious look. Elsie smiled then put the kitten on the table, along with a saucer of milk. She turned to Charles.
"I guess you want a reward now," She said coyly. Charles nodded then pulled her into his arms to give her a thorough kiss.
