The Black Cat

Each year thousands of black cats languish in animal shelters because of the bad luck with which they’re associated. For centuries, witches having black cats had become fodder for stories and movies. In fact, many shelters ban the adoption of black cats in October because cats become targets for abuse and worse. Jennifer had always wanted a black cat and feared she’d be alone again this Halloween. She grew up with animals - dogs, cats, birds – but living on her own, having a pet was expensive.

As a food server during the pandemic, Jennifer couldn’t afford a nice place to live, and so she sublet a room in the city near the family restaurant where she worked. Because of that, she didn’t need a vehicle. Public transportation was convenient and cheap. The family who owned the home were older and kept to themselves; they were nice but didn’t speak much English. The quietness of her tiny room ached in her heart; she wanted a companion to love and cuddle; a furry friend to meet her at home. Another life to care for.

The day felt endless, melting into the evening. The customers were impatient, demanding faster service, better food, and some were outright rude. She slapped the hands of more than one customer who touched her inappropriately. She was afraid to complain to the owner because she couldn’t afford to lose her job. Instead, she avoided the table at all costs and approached from the other side. One of the best employees, she made a good chunk of change from her tips. She was always pleasant, no matter how terrible the customers.

Coat on, purse on her shoulder, she headed home from a long tiring night. She was looking forward to a quiet evening at home watching some scary movies. Her keys ready in her hand, she headed down the well-traveled sidewalk to her home. This area of town was not a crime haven, but it is always prudent to be careful about one’s surroundings.

Not having gloves on during the cold Halloween weekend, she fumbled and dropped her house keys from her numb fingers. She bent down to pick them up when she felt a cold hand around her neck. The sidewalk was icy, and she started to slide as her attacker continued. She found it difficult to get her balance back as she hit the black ice.

From the small alleyway nearby, a black blur flew from the darkness and landed directly on the man who was angrily pushing Jennifer down. A scuffle, a screech, and then he suddenly scrambled away from the prone young woman, now lying on the sidewalk. She pushed herself up, terrified that she had been attacked and no one noticed or helped. She watched the man dash off in the opposite direction, not turning around to look back.

Brushing the light dusting of snow off her coat, she noticed something moving near her feet. A black cat was mewing and walking between her boots. She looked around to see if anyone was around. Where did this cat come from? She’d never noticed any strays in the area.

“What a sweet cat. Do you live nearby? Would you like some treats?” The cat looked up at her and his head tilted at the last word. “Treats? I’m sure I can find something.” More amazing to her, the cat was leading her home as if he knew where she lived. “Well, come in, my little Hero.”

Hero trotted into the door, the invitation being what he needed to get into her home. As his new familiar, he planned to care for his new pupil while giving tricks for those deserving them on Halloween.