A Tale with a happy ending

Cold and wet, tired and exhausted, she pulled herself out of the river and flopped onto the bank.
It felt so good to have something solid under her back and not have to fight to keep herself from sinking.
She needed food, warmth and shelter. It was no good lying here to rest. She would freeze to death and become just another statistic.
Shivering, she headed for the lights a short distance away, knowing there were scraps to be had and hopefully somewhere to lie down and sleep.

She scavenged around the dumpster and found a half eaten hamburger which would do for now. The fries were covered in salt and sauce so of no use to her.
‘Hello,’ said a booming voice. ‘What have we here?’
She tried to bolt, but strong hands stopped her in her tracks and picked her up.
She was trembling with fear now and hoped if there was a God that he would take her quickly and not make her suffer more than she already had.
Too weak to fight, she passed out.

When she awoke, she was in a warm cab, tucked in a thick jumper.
‘Hello sweetie,’ said the voice.
It belonged to a trucker and he pushed a saucer of water towards her. There was also a small dish with some food in it, and she ate hungrily.
‘Not so fast little one,’ he said smoothing her fur. ‘There’s no rush. I’ll look after you.’
She looked up into a kindly face and suddenly felt safe. Nestling against his hand, she mewed softly for her lost siblings tied in the weighted sack and tossed in the river with her, unwanted, to drown.

Written for Fandango’s Story Starter #13: where this week’s Story Starter teaser is:

Cold and wet, tired and exhausted, she…

 

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