A Surprise from the Ex
Tom, wait! Emily shouted out of the open window.
But Tom didnt hear her.
He had already started his car and turned the key in the ignition. Emily grabbed her phone and dashed for the door.
As she flew down the stairs from the third floor to the ground floor, she kept trying to call him, but Tom wouldnt pick up.
All she could think was, Please let me make it in time!
Heaven must have heard her plea. When Emily, like a whirlwind, burst outside, Tom was still warming up his car.
Spotting her out there without a coat, Tom looked startled and wound down his window. Whats going on? Are you all right?
Theres something there Emily was breathless and couldnt get the words out. Instead, she dropped to her knees and crawled under the car.
She didnt care about the filthy, wet slush seeping into the knees of her jeans or about the judging stares of passersby.
When she finally crawled out, clutching a scrawny, battered cat, Tom was standing nearby, staring in confusion.
Whats this, Em? What are you playing at? Im going to be late for work!
There was a cat under your car. I saw him from the window. I was terrified youd drive off and Emily tried to explain, still out of breath.
A cat? Under my car? Tom scoffed. Really, Emily? Getting all worked up over a stray?
Dont you think stray cats want to live too? Emily shot back, astonished.
Well, if he wanted to live, he wouldnt be hiding under a car. Even so, hed bolt the moment he heard the engine. You didnt have to make a drama.
He wouldnt, Tom! Look at himhe doesnt even have the strength to mew. He wouldnt have escaped.
Alright, Em Youve saved the cat. You can have a sweet when you get home and brag about it on social media. I have to gosee you tonight.
Emily stood there, the cat pressed to her chest, and watched Tom drive away. Suddenly, she saw him in a new lighthow unfeeling he really was. Shed never noticed it before.
She glanced down at the cat. He was so weak, barely able to open his eyes. But he looked at her with something like gratitude. Yes, she was certain of itgratitude.
Emily took the cat home, put on her coat, grabbed her purse, and called a taxi.
Where to, miss? said the taxi driver, glancing at the tired-looking cat in her arms.
I told you over the phone, the vets, please. As quickly as possible.
Ah, right, sorry. Is the little fellow ill? he asked, checking the rear-view mirror.
Yes. He needs help.
Understood. No more questions. If youre not particular about which one, I know a first-rate veterinary practice nearby.
The best one would be ideal.
Perfect. Ill take you therethe vets there work wonders, really, even with the most helpless cases.
Fifteen minutes later, Emily was waiting nervously at the vets with the cat. The waiting room was packed, everyone with a pet, everyone with their own worries.
Whats happened to yours? an elderly woman with a tiny terrier asked kindly.
Im not sure yet, Emily replied. I found him under a carmust have been there all night, in the freezing cold.
In this weather? My goodness! Tell you what, Ill let you go ahead of me in the queue. It looks like you need urgent help, while Tobys just in for his usual check-up.
Really? Thank you so much!
Of course. We help our own.
At last, the vet saw Emily. She squirmed with worry as he examined the cat.
After the check-up, she had to wait for the test resultsa torturous wait.
Tom called several times, but Emily ignored him, not wanting any distractions.
Well, Miss, the vet said thoughtfully when the results came in. You found this cat on the street, right?
Yes, under a car. He could have been there all night.
He does have signs of frostbite, but thats not all. Hes suffering from a host of problems. Hell need lengthyand costlytreatment. So, I have to ask: are you prepared to take on that responsibility? If not, well need to find someone else able to look after him.
Emily had guessed the cat would need help, but she hadnt expected it would take so longor cost so much.
But then she looked into the cats eyes. He wasnt begging, just gazing at her, as if to say, If you cant, Ill understand.
I am prepared, Emily said firmly. Ill look after him as long as it takes. Even a lifetime.
Good, smiled the vet. Hell need to stay with us for a couple of weeks, then Ill show you how to care for him.
Thank you, Emily said, choking back tears.
No, thank you, replied the vet. Kindness like yours is rare these days.
Emily stroked the cat and promised shed come back for him. He seemed to believe her; mustering all his strength, he even managed a faint mew.
Emily returned home late, exhausted, longing for sleep, especially with work tomorrow. But that was wishful thinkingTom was waiting for her at home, clearly irritated.
Where have you been, Emily? Ive rung you countless times! Whats going on?
I had a rough day, she answered wearily, taking off her coat and putting away Toms shoes as usual.
You were supposed to be off today, Tom mocked. So what wore you out so much?
I spent almost the entire day at the vets with that cat I found under your car.
That stray? Are you serious?
Does it matter if hes a stray or not? Emily began to lose her cool. He needed help, or hed have died
And what about me, starving at home? I come back and theres no dinner.
Tom, youre a grown man, Emily sighed. There are frozen pies in the freezer. You could have popped one in the oven. If youre truly starving, youll manage.
Pies? Am I supposed to eat any old rubbish? Unlike you, Ive been working all day. Why should I cook as well?
Despite her fatigue, Emily made dinner for Tomjust the way he liked it. He didnt thank her; she didnt expect it.
Two weeks later, Emily brought the cat home from the surgery. Shed already bought everything hed need but hadnt told Tom yetno point in starting a row prematurely.
In truth, she wasnt sure how to break it to Tom that they now had a permanent feline houseguest. Still, it was her flat, and Tom was yet to propose, had never truly settled in.
Her hopes for understanding were dashed. Tom exploded when he saw the cat.
You brought that stray in here? Emily, have you lost your mind? Did you bang your head crawling under my car?
Calm down, Tom. I saved his life, so Im responsible for him now.
And how much have you spent on him? How much more will you waste?
Its my money. Ill spend it how I like. Its not as though you ever buy the groceries, though you love a good meal.
I told you, my car needs work. And Im having trouble at work. Why are you turning this around on me? Were talking about this thing here
His name is Oliver.
Youve already named him? Honestly, Emily, you ought to see a specialist. Somethings wrong with you.
That night, Emily slept in the guest room, thinking over her life with Tom. Theyd been living together less than a year, but lately nothing was right. Tom had become overbearing, even demeaning. These were warning signs, and she knew it.
She decided to give him one last chance. Everyone deserves that. Whether Tom would take it was up to him.
He didnt. Tom kept making scenes over Oliver, saying the cat belonged on the street. Emily listened and made up her mind. One evening, she told Tom,
Tom, I dont love you. You dont love me either. Theres no point in tormenting each other.
What are you saying?
Tomorrow, please pack up and leave my flat. I need some peace and quiet.
So you bring home a cat without asking, but Im the bad one for complaining? I see how it is.
If you cant live with Oliver, then we shouldnt live together. Find yourself someone who doesnt like catsor buy your own place and make the rules there.
The next day was Emilys day off. Perfect for a breakup.
Tom tried to reason with her, but his patience didnt last. The moment she mentioned the cat, he lost his temper. Emilys decision was the right one.
Tom started packing just before lunchtime, dragging it out, hoping shed change her mind. But she wouldn’t.
Emily was having tea in the kitchen when her manager called urgently.
Emily, I know you asked for the day off, but we really need you. Just for an hour, I promise!
Its really not the best timing Emily glanced at Tom, furiously stuffing his things into a suitcase. Hed also need to take his computer and tools from the balcony.
Please, Emily. I wouldnt ask if it wasnt important.
With a sigh, Emily finished her tea and got ready. She told Tom to put the keys through the letterbox when he left. He nodded coldly, shooting her a hateful look that chilled her to the bone.
Work didnt keep Emily long. After less than an hour, she hailed a cab home.
Hows your cat doing?
Emily looked up, recognising the driverit was the same kind man whod driven her to the vet.
Fine, thank you. Could you get me home quickly, please?
No problem, he said with a smile.
When Emily reached her building, she checked the letterbox: no keys. Toms car was gone too.
He must have taken his stuff and left, she thought.
But up on the third floor, she found the front door locked. She let herself inand found that Toms things, his computer, everythinghad gone.
Couldnt even leave the keys like I asked, she muttered. Ill have to change the locks.
Then Emily went into the bedroomand stopped, horrified.
Oliver and his carrier were gone.
She searched the whole flat, calling for him, but the truth was obvious: Tom had taken the cat. But why?
Tom! What have you done with Oliver? Emily shouted into her phone when Tom finally picked up.
Oh, this is a little surprise for you, Em! When you come grovelling, then maybe Ill think about giving him back!
You do realise he needs special food and care? Emily screamed, but Tom had hung up.
Where could he have gone? Emily sobbed, slumped against the wall. Tom was from some small town, but hed never told her where. Hed promised to take her there, but never had.
She couldnt sleep all night. Next morning, Emily headed for Toms work, but he wasnt thereTook a few days off, said his boss. Why? Whats happened?
Emily explained, and the manager promised to have a word when Tom next appeared. Out on the street, Emilys phone rang again.
Need a lift? called a familiar voice.
It was the taxi driver. Emily got in, completely lost about what to do next.
Home, please, she said quietly.
On the way, her phone rang. Unknown number.
Hello?
Is this Emily? asked a woman.
Yes whos this?
Well, Tom showed up yesterday, said he needed to stay with us for a few daysmy husband works with him. He had a cat with him, too
Yes, the cat! Thank you for calling. He needs special foodplease dont feed him anything else.
I noticedhe wont touch it. But Im calling because Tom went out, probably to the pub. I dont like how he behaves. The cat looks miserable and keeps meowing. This isnt fair on him. Why dont you come and fetch him?
Ill come at once! Tell me your address, please!
Emily quickly explained to the driver, who nodded seriously and drove her there at breakneck speed, expertly finding the fastest route.
When they arrived, everything felt dreamlike: Emily dashed up the stairs, retrieved Olivers carrier, thanked the woman, and hurried back downstairs. The driver was waiting, door open, ready for her.
As the block where Tom had held Oliver disappeared in the distance, Emily finally breathed out and began to cryout of gratitude for the kindness shown to her by strangers: the woman at the vet, the taxi driver, the woman who phoned. As long as there are people like this, kindness will always win out.
If you like, Ill stay with you a while. Just in case your ex shows up, offered the driver.
Yes, please, Emily replied.
That same day, she called a locksmith to change the door locks. Victorthe driversat with Oliver in the living room. The cat purred contentedly in his lap.
Emily was endlessly grateful to Victor for everything, for just being there in that difficult moment. Thats really where this story ended.
Unsurprisingly, Emilys friendship with Victor blossomed into something deeper, something people call love.
As for Tomwell, a few words should be said.
After he was kicked out of his friends flat for shouting at the friends wifehis black eye as a souvenirTom went to work, only to be told to hand in his resignation.
But why? he asked, baffled.
Just do it, replied his boss.
With nowhere to go, Tom returned to whatever town or village he was from.
He got what he deserved.
Because you cant treat people and animals the way he did. You dont have to love every creature, but you should at least treat them with a little decency and compassion.
And in the end, its the choices we makethe kindness we showthat shape the world around us. The goodness we give always finds its way back to us, while cruelty only brings loneliness.
