(369) Cat tales 33

Veron is the youngest in her family. She is used to being spoilt rotten by everyone in her family. Since both her parents work long hours, Veron depends on her elder siblings for company. The second week in September, her eldest brother went abroad to read law. Her elder sister won a government scholarship and went to a residential school.  Veron found that even the computer and the TV could not fill her day. She asked for a cat.

Her father is a very wise man. He did not say no, but he actually sat her down and laid down quite a few ground rules. The animal they are going to adopt will be Veron's very own pet. She alone is responsible for her upkeep. She is to feed the cat daily and keep a stock of cat food. If the cat needs any medical attention, Veron will either pay for the bills out of her savings in the bank or work to earn the money needed. Should she have any difficulty earning money outside the  house, mum and dad will give her paid tasks at home. Before the cat comes in, Veron will have to learn about toilet training either from books or from an experienced cat owner like their neighbour Mrs. Rozario.

As her father sets the conditions, Veron goes about preparing for the new addition to the family. When everything is ready, she picked a black cat with four white feet and called her Socks. To earn the money needed to keep the cat, she took over many of her parents' responsibilities. She sweeps the entire house every morning. Then she empties the dish drainer. She reads the list of daily tasks her mum left on the fridge door. Accordingly she prepares whatever that is specified and keeps them in containers in the fridge. After all that is done, the washing is ready to be hung in the porch ... Her days are full and interesting. She has a great sense of accomplishment when all the tasks are done and she can play with her pet.

Without knowing it, Veron has chosen to grow up when she asked for a pet. For once in her life, she is responsible for another life. She is no longer that spoilt princess that depends on others to entertain her any hour in the day or night.

-To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness-

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