Books, Brains & Blades

When I moved to a new city called Maplewood, I didn’t know anyone. Everything felt strange — a new house, a new school, and no friends. I missed my old home and felt very lonely.

One afternoon, I was walking home from school when I heard a soft meow. I stopped and looked around. The sound came from behind a trash can near the corner. I peeked behind it and saw a small brown cat with brown stripes. He had short fur and big yellow eyes. He looked hungry and scared.

I slowly held out my hand. He sniffed it, then rubbed his head against my fingers. I could tell he had been living on the streets. I wrapped him in my jacket and carried him home.

My parents were surprised but kind. We took the cat to the vet to check out his health. The vet said he was a healthy tabby and shorthair mix, just dirty. I asked if we could keep him. My parents nodded.

I named him Pudding.

From that day on, Pudding followed me everywhere. He curled up with me when I read and meowed at the door when I left for school. I even drew pictures of him and showed them to kids in class. Another boy named Max loved cats too, and we started talking every day. He became my first friend in Maplewood.

Later, our teacher asked us to bring something special and tell the class about it. I brought a photo of Pudding and told the story of how I found him. Everyone listened closely. Afterward, more kids started talking to me and asking about my cat.

Pudding helped me feel brave and not so alone. Just like Winn-Dixie helped Opal in the book, Pudding helped me make friends and feel happy in a new place. I never expected to find a friend behind a trash can, but I’m really glad I did.