Street Life by Diana Hnyzdytska

Once upon a time, far away from the bustling city streets,

where dry asphalt is replaced by green bushes, trees and abandoned warehouses, three kittens were born in an old tattered coat near a ruined building. Their mum, a black cat named Luna, had been living on the street for a long time and knew well: the life of a street cat is the hard-knock life.

Her cute babies grew up quickly: Ginger was the bravest, Neko - the smartest, and Fluffy was kind and affectionate. Mum had taught them from the first days to avoid evil people, to hide from rain and scary dogs, and to find leftover food to survive. Luna was well aware that she couldn't be with them forever, so she tried to give them everything they needed to survive. And one day, when the kittens were only three months old, she once again went hunting to feed her babies. The cruelty of the world consumed her, and she did not return that day.

‘Mum's probably looking for a better place for us now,’ Fluffy whispered.

‘What if the Trapper caught her,’ Ginger muttered.

‘Whatever it is, we have to survive on our own now,’ Neko said seriously, but sadly.

From that moment their life without mum began, full of various dangers, cold days and frequent feelings of hunger and thirst.

Each day brought them more and more difficulties. First the cold and rainy autumn crept up, forcing the little ones to seek dry shelter. Then quietly, as if preparing for a hunt, winter crept up. People around mostly passed by indifferently, and sometimes even got angry at the sight of homeless kids. One day a man even threw a stone at the kittens. Another day an old woman poured ice water from a hose to chase them away from a rubbish bin. But from time to time they met kind people on their way: one little girl left warm milk for them, and a boy even gave them fresh food.

‘People are so strange,’ said Neko. ‘Some have hearts like ice, while others are as warm and light as the sun.’

All the time the Kittens were looking for shelter, wandering the streets. Finally, one day they found shelter in an old shed behind a warehouse. It was dark but warm and smelled of mice. That night, when the first snow fell, the kittens had a magical dream in which they saw their mum.

‘Forgive me, my darlings. Mummy didn't keep her promise to be there for me. But you're doing a great job, I'm so proud of you! Listen to what Mum wants to say to you. I know it's hard to trust people, but things are different now. You can trust a little girl. She'll find you soon. Don't be frightened and remember what I said. Everything will be all right. I love you.’

Ginger, Neko and Fluffy woke up with a longing in their chests. They didn't understand where their mum had gone, but they knew she only wished them well.

Weeks passed. Fluffy was still trying to find her mum. And Ginger and Neko were still trying to find food. One day, in the school yard, they saw a little girl sitting on a swing. She was crying. Ginger boldly went up to her and rubbed against her leg. The child smiled through her tears.

‘Hello, baby,’ she whispered. ‘You are so sweet! You reminded me that there is still warmth in the world.’

From then on, the kittens started coming every day. The girl's name was Mary. She brought the kittens food and toys, and gave them the affection they were missing.

After a few days, Mary took the babies home. Now they had a sweet home, warmth and a loving person near them. They did not forget about their mum, their hearts ached for her, but they knew that mum was always there for them, even if not physically. But now that they had found comfort, they all lived happily ever after.