Ruby is a furry cat who is white with black feet. When Julie bought him from the animal shelter, he was so tiny that he could fit into a shoe box.
This story happened two days after Ruby came to our home. Julie, my aunt, had given my mom this little white cat for her birthday. My mom was very happy because she loves cats, but my dad isn’t fond of pets at all.
Julie packed Ruby in a shoe box and said, “He won’t take up much space. Your husband won’t take up much space. Your husband won’t even notice. He’s so tiny and his meowing is so soft you won’t even hear it. By the time he outgrows the box, you can convince your husband to like him.” After saying this, she left the box with my mom.
Mom opened the shoe box and found the cutest little white cat with black feet. Just as she was about to enjoy the softness of Ruby back in the box and greeted Dad with a forced smile.
“Can I have a cup of tea before I go to my prayer room?” Dad asked. Then he looked at me and said, “Why are you so excited? Is something special happening?” I shook my head quickly and said, “Nothing, Papa, Just thinking about Julie’s Aunt’s Visit.”
Dad nodded and went to wash up. I slowly opened the shoe box to touch the tiny creature. Ruby purred softly. Whenever Dad wasn’t around, we would open the box, feed him, and play with him. Ruby would explore the house while Dad was out.
For two days, Ruby stayed with us without Dad noticing. But on the third day, a Sunday, things changed. Mom and I got up at 6.30 a.m., gave Ruby some milk, and tried to put him back in the box, Ruby refused to go inside. He wanted to explore the house.
Mom finally gave Ruby some milk and tried to put him back in the box. Ruby refused to go inside. He wanted to explore the house.
Mom finally gave up and let him roam around until Dad woke up. We never saw Ruby jump out of the box or climb the sofa, but suddenly, he decided to jump on the furniture. Despite our efforts to stop him, Ruby ended up in the bedroom and jumped right on Dad!
Dad woke up with a start and screamed in fear, seeing a tiny cat on his tummy. He ran around the bed as if he were being chased by a tiger. It was so funny to see Dad so scared. He ran to Mom, still gesturing to get rid of Ruby, saying, “Please send him away. I’m scared of cats, and that’s why I don’t like them.”
Now we understood why Dad didn’t like pets. Mom smiled and said, “Oh, you never told me this!” She gently picked up Ruby, put him back in the box, and decided to return the gift she had been so excited about.
Moral: Sometimes, understanding and respecting other people’s feelings is more important than getting what we want.