Maggie, would you pop over to the shop for a loaf of bread? Her mothers distant eyes, clouded from another long night, could barely focus on the skinny seven-year-old girl who swallowed hungrily at the mention of bread.
Of course, Mum
Maggie stood patiently, clutching her little fist, waiting for coins. Down at the local corner shop, Mrs. Lynda always huffed and tutted, but shed hand over a loaf of breadand sometimes, if Maggie was lucky, shed slip her a little chocolate bar or a few toffees.
Poor thing, Lynda would mutter as Maggie hurried out. Growing up sweet as anything, with a pair of drunks for parents, shed sigh over her instant coffee.
Maggie tried her best not to breathe in the irresistible smell of the crusty, warm loaf as she dashed home. If she behaved, Mum would always give her the crust, and sometimes shed get a couple of those salty sprats laid across the bread, sweet oily goodness soaking right in. Shed savour every bite, chewing slowly, making it last. Looking at all the empty bottles in the kitchen, she knew another dinner wouldnt be happening tonightMum and Dad had friends coming over, most likely for more drinks. The main thing was to have her little treat and then slip away, unnoticed. If her dad caught sight of her, she could end up with a clout round the headlast time she still felt it for a couple of days and her nose kept bleeding off and on.
Stepping out into the quiet street with her quarter loaf and an entire sprat saved, Maggie enjoyed the warm spring evening. There werent many people about. Somewhere in the distance music played cheerily, and two chocolates waited in her pocket for later. It was a lovely night for a walk, and if she needed to, she could always pop back to Mrs. Lyndashed always put the kettle on for a coffee with cream and extra sugar. Maggie wandered slowly, gazing into the warm-lit windows, wishing with all her heart she might one day find a proper friend. Someone to share dreams and thoughts with, or just walk together when it wasnt safe to go home. She was still dreaming about it when a faint cry from the bushes by the bins stopped her. Peering into a pile of smelly old rags, she found a tiny tabby kitten in a battered shoebox, mewing pitifully.
She reached out and the little thing sniffed her fingers. The smell of sprat was too muchhe started licking her fingers hungrily, making Maggie giggle at the ticklish little tongue.
You must be starving. Look what Ive got! she said proudly, offering him her whole sprat while stuffing the scrap of bread in her mouth.
Go on then, eat up.
The little kitten gobbled the fish, growling a bit and hissing when Maggie tried to stroke him.
Easy there! Dont be greedyyoull give yourself a tummy ache. Ive done that myself, she smiled, crouching beside him.
How about coming home with me? Ill call you Stripey and always share my food. She gently tucked the kitten under her coat.
Street lamps glowed honey-yellow over the pavement as a little girl chattered away to the purring kitten poking his head out from beneath her scarf.
***
At home, the place was quietjust empty bottles, dirty plates, and a mountain of cigarette butts. The boiler grumbled away, the clock ticked indifferently. Maggie sat down, setting Stripey on the table. He sniffed a grubby glass uneasily.
Yuck! Dont touch that, Stripey! Thats nasty stuff. If you start on that, we cant be mates, alright? She scooped him up, pressing her face into his soft fur. Stripey just purred harder, stretching out a paw as if to tell her, Dont worry, were in this together.
That night, Maggie slept better than she had in ages. Dreams of banana ice cream and cherry tarts drifted through her mind, and Stripey curled in beside her, purring sweet lullabies.
Morning came, and her dad saw the kittenhe flew into a blind rage, shouting that the filthy animal better be gone by the time he got back. Mum sat with a cold cloth pressed to her head, exhaling smoke. Her voice cracked as she asked Maggie to get rid of the kitten for heavens sake, so nothing else goes wrong.
Swallowing her tears, Maggie sat outside the flats, Stripey tucked to her chest. She had no idea where to take him, and leaving such a precious friend by the bins again broke her heart. Sobbing, she made her way to Mrs. Lyndas shop. Between hiccups, she explained what happened, begging to let Stripey stay. She promised shed come by every day, bring him treats, and teach him to behave.
Of course, those kind-hearted women couldnt say no. The kitten found a home in the stock cupboard, given an old threadbare jumper and a chopped-down mayonnaise tub for a bed.
All through spring and summer, Maggie ran to visit Stripey, breaking off pieces of her bread to share with himeven though it meant more bruises at home. But none of that mattered now she had a real friend. Shed talk to him for hours, telling her stories, while he curled up on her bony knees and purred with his mysterious lilac eyes half closed. Mrs. Lynda often watched Stripey, once gasping, Good heavens, have you ever seen a cat with such eyes, Olly? The two shop ladies would marvel at him, while Stripey rolled his eyes as if enjoying the attention.
By autumn, Stripey was a true dashing tomcatthick-coated and regal-eyed. Customers would try to coax him away, but he never strayed faralways waiting for his little girl.
Then, one day, Maggie didnt show. Days went byno Maggie for bread, no visits for Stripey. Mrs. Lynda started to worryhad she come down with something? When Maggie finally appeared, her cheeks pale and bruised, and a nasty scab on her lip, the shopkeepers stared in horror.
Fell over, she replied simply, before sneaking round back to Stripey, burying her swollen face in his fur, and telling him everything through tears, until she drifted off to sleep cuddling the big cat. Mrs. Lynda gently lifted her onto an old shop sofa, pulling a worn blanket over her. Later, she called Sergeant Nichols, the local copper, but he just sighedHard to prove anything. Besides, you want to get tangled up with those sorts? Mrs. Lynda broke down in tears. She felt every bit of that little girls pain, wishing she could do more. Shed never had children, but more than once she thought shed love a daughter just like Maggie.
Stripey watched over Maggie all night, pacing, sniffing her face, and then disappearing completely. No one came to look for the girlshe slept soundly at the shop till morning. Lynda fixed her up with toast and sweet tea and asked her and Olly to look after things while she ran some errands. Maggie was delightedLynda was off to have a word with her parents. Only, at the bottom of the stairwell, Sergeant Nichols blocked her way.
Oi, where you off to? Theres been a murderbest stay away for now. Have you seen the Ainsleys girl about?
You mean Maggie? Whos been killed? Lynda gasped, looking up at the tower block.
Her parents. Been knifed, looks like another drunken row got out of hand. Were looking for the girl, making sure shes alright.
Shes been at the shop with me all night, safe as houses. Who did it?
Who knowsprobably one of their drinking mates. Listen, Lynda, mind keeping the girl at yours for a day or two? Well try to find family, otherwise its off to foster care. As soon as we finish the paperwork, a long-lost granny always turns up.
Right, of course, Lyndas heart pounded with relief. She didnt even feel sorry for the parents anymore. She raced back to the shop, eyes shining.
She and Olly decided not to mention her parents fate for nowjust told Maggie her mum said she could stay with Mrs. Lynda a while. Maggie was thrilledasking if she could finally learn the till.
From that day, Stripey never returned. Maggie called for him, searched by all the bins, but his bowl stayed untouched. Mrs. Lynda fussed over the girl, dreading the day theyd have to say goodbye. When she took the bold step to apply for Maggies adoption, the council said nosingle, working nights, not enough ticks in their boxes. Lynda felt so helpless, but she tried again and again.
Two months passed like that. Maggie learned to fry eggs, tried reading aloud, did little chores to surprise her tired friend. Then, as the first snow fellon November 3rdMaggie turned eight. She blew out the candles on a honey sponge from the shop and with shining eyes said, I wish we could stay together forever, and youd be my mummy. She wrapped her arms round a teary Mrs. Lynda.
Thats all I want too, my darling, Lynda whispered back.
Someone knocked. They werent expecting anyone, so Lynda was startled when a well-dressed young man appeared.
Good evening. Im from social services. Ive got your forms here and thought Id pop in, get to know you both properly. He extended his hand.
Come insorry, were just finishing up tea. Would you like a cuppa? Youve never had tea like Mrs. Lyndastropical fruit, it is! Maggie announced, setting down a mug.
Go on, help yourselfIs that your birthday cake? he smiled.
It is! Im eight now. Next year Ill be in school, Maggie nodded seriously.
School is important. And, how are you liking it here, then? He sipped his tea.
I love it! Maggie grinned.
They sat chatting around the tiny kitchen table, eating cake, washing it down with fruity tea. The little girl, the elegant man, and Mrs. Lynda watching, feeling somehow finally at home.
Well, I should be off now. The man stood, pulling a thick folder from his case.
Right, Mrs. Lynda, take these to the district court tomorrow, go to reception and ask for help filling out the statement. Dont worry, its mostly paperwork. Then youll be able to take Maggie homeofficially.
Take her? Lynda fumbled for words. Maggie simply ran up and hugged him, eyes squeezed shut, repeating thank you over and over.
Thank you, Lynda managed, barely holding back tears of happiness.
Look after her, the man said as he left. For a split second, Lynda thought his eyes were impossibly violet, filled with endless warmth and understandingThat night, after the tidy-up and laughter faded, Maggie pressed her nose against the frosty window, watching the snowflakes whirl under the lamplight. Mrs. Lynda tucked her in tight, smoothing her hair, whispering, All yours now, my love. Everything will be different, youll see.
Maggie gazed up with a sleepy smile. Maybe Stripey will come back now weve got a real home, she murmured, eyelids heavy with hope.
Outside, in the shadowed hush of the empty street, a big tabby cat padded silently by, pausing beneath the glowing window. Lilac eyes blinked up at the light, and a deep, familiar purr rumbled through the night air, as if blessing the girl within. Then Stripey vanished into the falling snow, his pawprints trailing awaybut in Maggies dreams he leapt onto her bed and curled beside her, safe and warm.
Morning brought sun glittering on icy rooftopsand a new life. For the first time, Maggie woke to the smell of cinnamon toast and laughter, and no fear tucked in her belly. She ran to Mrs. Lynda, arms flung wide, her heart finally certain: she was loved, wanted, andat lasthome.
And somewhere, just out of sight, Stripey watched and purred contentedly, knowing his little girl would never be alone again.
