The setting sun showered golden rays on the pristine marble fountain of Marrow Park. It was the middle of autumn, and the burgundy trees swayed in the cool, gentle breeze. A mother sat comfortably in a warm coat on an oak bench, watching her children play in the fallen maroon leaves. A shabby black cat stood unmoving, watching the family from a tree longingly. The mother was now trying to drag the younger child, who was throwing a tantrum, out of the park. The branches rustled as the cat sauntered down. He didn’t make much effort hiding himself, since no one could see him anyway. His dark fur was mangled and dirty. His eyes burned a vibrant blue. The cat slinked towards a building marked with an “Out of Service” sign. He made his way to an old, musty drainage pipe, which was just wide enough for him to squeeze through. Just as he nodded off, a whimper from outside roused him awake. The sun had already set, and the park would soon close. He peeked out and saw the little boy. No, he can find his way back, the cat told himself. I will not be meddling with humans. But the longer the boy stood there shivering, the more the cat’s defiance depleted. Reluctantly, he crawled out of his hiding place. What’s the point, I’m just wasting my energy, he sighed, inching toward the boy cautiously. He sensed the cat from the crinkling leaves approaching him. Strangely unafraid, the boy wiped his nose on his sleeve and gazed right into the cat’s piercing blue eyes. He sees me. It felt surreal. The boy gingerly patted the cat’s head and asked, “Hey, kitty, are you lost too? I can’t find my mama. Who are you looking for?” Just then, a shout was heard from behind the fountain. “Eddy!” “Hi, mama. Look! I found a kitty. I’m naming him Ninja.” As his mother was scolding him, Ninja studied the face of his newfound owner. Looking at Eddy, Ninja realized he finally found something he never thought possible. A home. Lost, and Found by Alyssa Wang ’30 73
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