On a cold and blustery late November evening, as the author hurried home from work, a faint meow caught their attention. Huddled by a thorny rose bush was a tiny, shivering black kitten, no bigger than a hand. The author's heart ached, and despite their fatigue and the biting cold, they couldn't leave it there. Gently, they scooped up the surprisingly light and fragile kitten and carried it inside their apartment.
Once home, the author wrapped the kitten in a warm towel and offered it some milk and leftover chicken. The kitten devoured the food, purring weakly. The author named her Shadow, both for her dark fur and because she seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Over the next few days, Shadow transformed. With warmth, food, and endless cuddles, her matted fur became sleek and shiny, and her eyes bright and playful. She chased toys, climbed curtains, and filled the author's quiet apartment with a joyful energy they hadn't realized was missing.