Saturday Morning Adventure at Kerppeltunick’s Pet Shop
The morning sun slowly illuminated the quiet pet shop, promising a day full of new possibilities. The shop remained dim, with the sunlight yet to penetrate the west-facing front windows. Only the fish tanks and the back room light provided a gentle glow. The birds slept silently in their tall cages, while the fish swam languidly in their tanks, awaiting their morning meal. Geckos, anoles, and chameleons basked under red night lamps in their glass habitats.
To the right of the entrance, three cages housed the cats. In the far left cage, an older tomcat named Eddie lounged. Eddie's black fur was accented with white patches around his neck and hind legs, with his front paws dipped in white up to an inch. After six months in the shop, Eddie's price had been reduced twice. His card read, “Hi I’m Eddie. I have all my shots, and I would love to go home.” The middle cage held three kittens: two black and white mixes and an orange tabby, curled up together in their plush bed. Their card detailed their names, ages, and health status. In the right cage sat a lone dark-haired tabby with a white chin and black stripes, named Carlos. His card read, “Carlos, up to date, ready to go.”
The front door opened with a chime from the bell above it. Carlos and the orange tabby sprang to the front of their cages, eyes wide with anticipation as Bobby walked in. Eddie stretched lazily, uninterested in the commotion. “Settle down, you two,” Eddie advised, though he knew they wouldn't listen. Yawning, he nestled back into his bed.
Carlos and the orange kitten, Rusty, ignored Eddie and began meowing at Bobby, who was reviewing notes left by Mr. Kerppeltunick, the shop owner. Rusty and Carlos’s high-pitched meows echoed through the shop, pleading for Bobby’s attention. Meanwhile, Eddie peeked from his paw, grateful for the brief peace and quiet.
Across Town
“Mommy, mommy, mommy,” David called repeatedly, trying to capture his mother Renee’s attention as she rummaged through her purse. Finally, Renee looked up, “Yes David, what is it?”
David, an eager 8-year-old, grinned mischievously, “Today is Saturday,” he declared with finality. Renee, knowing where this was leading, smiled warmly.
“Yes, it is,” she agreed, raising an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
David’s face lit up, “Today we get the kitten!”
Back at Kerppeltunick’s Pets Emporium
Bobby emerged from the back room with a cart laden with morning supplies. The squeaky wheels awoke the shop’s remaining sleepy inhabitants. “Good morning everyone,” Bobby called out, triggering a chorus of meows from the Cat Corner.
Bobby started his rounds, greeting Eddie first. “Morning Ed,” he said soothingly. Eddie, known for his feistiness, watched Bobby with interest. Despite Eddie’s pleas for tastier food, Bobby filled his bowl with the usual kibble.
Next, Bobby tackled the kittens' cages. “Morning guys,” he greeted the eager trio, who clamored for his attention. After wrestling to fill their food and water dishes, Bobby moved to Carlos’s cage. Carlos had tipped over his water dish, meowing innocently. “Oh Carlos,” Bobby sighed, replacing the spilled water. In a sudden burst, Carlos leaped from the cage, spilling the new dish and darting across the floor. “Run Carlos!” Rusty cheered.
Later That Day
At one o’clock, David and Renee arrived at the pet shop. David, barely able to contain his excitement, unbuckled his seatbelt and rushed toward the store. “Good Afternoon,” Bobby greeted from the counter. “Welcome to Kerppeltunick’s Pets Emporium.”
David, eyes wide with anticipation, tugged his mother towards the Cat Corner. “We’re here for a kitten,” Renee explained to Bobby, who smiled warmly.
David immediately gravitated towards the cages, his eyes scanning the kittens. Bobby joined them with a clipboard. “Would you like to hold one?” Bobby asked David.
“That one!” David pointed eagerly.
At the Wilson Home
David, having finished dinner quickly, dashed to his room, eager to see his new kittens. He peeked under his bed and found Rusty and Carlos curled up together. “Welcome home, guys,” he whispered softly, his heart full of love.
After Bedtime
That night, David slept soundly with Rusty and Carlos nestled beside him. But the kittens had a plan. Once David was asleep, they crept out to explore. They navigated the dark house, their little hearts pounding with excitement.
In the kitchen, they encountered two tiny elves attempting to steal a toy from the counter. Carlos and Rusty sprang into action, pinning the elves to the floor. After a tense standoff, the elves promised never to return, leaving the kittens as the brave protectors of their new home.
The next day was filled with playful training for Rusty and Carlos, ensuring they were always ready to defend their family. Their bond with David grew stronger, and they knew they had found their forever home.
As night fell again, the kittens settled beside David, ready for any adventure that might come their way. They were determined to protect their new family, no matter what.