The cat regarded her silently, his emerald eyes unwavering. Sighing, Emma steeled herself and reached out, hoping the sleeves of her leather jacket would shield her arms from the claws of this unexpected, furry stowaway
Her shift had ended, and Emma wandered to the back of the empty double-decker bus, scrutinising beneath every seat.
The bus was something like her second home, and at home, Emma kept everything spotless. Perhaps because there was never anyone around to make a mess?
Emma, love, you really ought to find yourself a husband, the matronly dispatchers often told her in the break room, mugs of tea in hand. Youre nearly thirty and still on your own. And, honestly, your job isnt exactly what youd call feminine. The lads lose patience too quickly you know what some passengers are like!
I get the good ones, Emma would reply, brushing off the teasing. And I rather like driving. Besides, a husbands not like a cat or a dog to just keep around!
The women would exchange looks; after all, they knew a man brought far more bother than any furry pet.
Well, at least get yourself a cat, Emma, darling so youre not alone!
Emma would only sigh. The cat hasnt found me yet, shed tell the concerned ladies, before making her way home. Shed turn on some music, make herself dinner, curl up with a good book, and drift off to sleep
The days were like twins, so alike. She never really looked forward to weekends too much free time, too much quiet. Sometimes, for a change, shed hop on a bus as just another passenger, let someone else do the driving, and imagine she was being whisked away to some bright and beautiful life.
Today was no different. Her shift over, Emma did her final checks and set about tidying up the coach.
When she crouched to peer under the back seat, she nearly leapt back in shock. Two brilliant, green eyes stared back at her!
Oi! What are you doing there? Here, puss-puss-puss! Howd you get down there? Emma crouched lower. Are you lost then?
The cat continued to watch her in silence.
Taking a deep breath, she gathered her nerve and reached beneath the seat, trusting in her leather sleeves to protect against any sudden protest from the fluffy fare-dodger.
He allowed her to lift him out. Only then did Emma get a good look.
He was magnificent.
She didnt know breeds, but with that flattened face and extraordinary fur, it was obvious he was a Persian. Around his neck was a collar with a shining tag.
Merlin, Emma read, turning it this way and that. The great wizard himself, is it?
Merlin let out a wide yawn, as if neither confirming nor denying his magical credentials.
So, what am I meant to do with you, Your Magical Honour? Emma said, deciding to treat him with the respect such a name demanded. Shall we try and find your people?
The cat met her gaze and yawned again. As if to say, How should I know? A snack wouldnt go amiss, and maybe a nap after, yes?
Emma realised she had only one real option. Well, two, but what sort of person would abandon a lost cat to the cold London streets?
All right then, she declared. Tonight youll stay with me, and tomorrow Ill put up posters with your photo. Someones bound to be missing you!
The cat didnt object. But as Emma headed for the doors, he twisted out of her arms.
Whats the matter? She couldnt speak Cat, but Merlin slipped from her embrace and padded under the rear seat. When he emerged, he was holding something between his teeth.
What have you got there? Emma knelt down.
He dropped it into her waiting palma lottery ticket.
Well, would you look at that! Emma marvelled, examining the find. Did your owner lose you both at once?
Merlin gave her another look, as if to suggest, Shouldnt we be heading home?
Emma hurried, mind racing over whether to mention the lottery ticket in the posters. What if someone tried to con her, claiming to be Merlins owner just for the ticket?
Shed have to be clever! But for now, treats were needed for her guest.
What would you like? she asked the cat aisle assistant in Tesco, eyeing the overwhelming assortment of cat food.
Merlin considered the packets, then extended a paw and batted one, urging Emma closer.
This one, really? she asked.
Merlin seized the packet in his teeth, leaving no room for doubt.
Youre a clever cat! she laughed.
He meowed a sound that clearly meant, Tell me something I dont know! Stocking up for both of them, Emma headed home
Settle in! she invited, setting Merlin on the floor.
He immediately went off on a reconnaissance mission. Emma put the kettle on, improvised a couple of saucers for food and water, then watched him eat. When he finished, she took his photo and printed posters. She left out his name and the lottery ticketjust in case.
She showed the flyer to Merlin. Dashing, arent you? Ill hang these in the bus tomorrow. Perhaps your owner will turn up! Oh!
She froze. Tomorrow was her shift againwhere could she leave a cat? Bring him along? Not an option; cant drive safely with a cat on the loose. Leave him home alone? Poor things been lost already; best not to stress him more.
Then, she remembered Ben, the neighbour across the landing. He worked from homeno need for an office or a steering wheel, only a laptop and Wi-Fi.
Theyd nodded in the hallway occasionallyhe was tall, a bit gangly, glasses always askew. When he ran out of food, hed make a dash for Tesco.
He could probably watch Merlin for a day.
Summoning her courage, Emma knocked next door. Ben opened, bleary-eyed, in battered slippers and baggy old joggers. He blinked in surprise.
She explained, trying hard to sound convincing. She neednt have worried: Ben nodded and took the spare key in silence.
For one brief moment, Emma felt a pang; hed hardly even looked at her. Sighing, she went back and called, Here, puss! Merlin, where have you got to?
He sat by the balcony doors, making it obvious where he wanted to go.
Emma hesitatedeighth floor was high, but Merlin seemed smart enough not to attempt a swan dive. She opened the door, and they stepped onto the small balcony.
With feline grace, Merlin leapt onto the railing. Emma gasped and rushed to steady him.
He glanced at her, proud and unafraid, then calmly looked up. Emma stroked his silky coat and followed his gaze Above them, the London sky shimmered with a thousand shining stars.
Emma watched in awe as one streaked, a sparkling tear across the night. Merlin pressed against her palm, as if nudging herMake a wish, go on! And she did.
She fell asleep quickly, toono movies, no books, just the soothing purr of a wizardly cat named Merlin nearby.
Next morning, after quickly briefing dozy Ben, Emma went to work.
All day she drove through the city, the poster in full view, but no one looked twice at it. No one seemed to know Merlin.
Emma felt a touch guilty. But also relieved. She even caught herself hurrying home, light as if she had wings.
The flat smelled of good, fresh coffee. Not instant, eitherproper stuff. It hit her nose the moment she crossed the threshold.
I made myself at home, Ben admitted, putting down his mug. No offence, but your coffee is dire. Brought my own. Care for a cup?
Yes, please! Emma grinned. And wheres Merlin?
The cat materialised in the hallway, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. He sauntered over and brushed against Emmas leg, purring his highest approval.
Your Merlins all right, Ben reached down to give him a stroke. You know, I havent relaxed like that in ages. I thought Id work on the site, but Instead, I remembered I used to write stories. My fingers just started tapping away.
He laughed awkwardly. I wrote a story about a cat.
Will you show me? Emmas eyes lit up.
Oh, its silly, really! Ben shrugged, but she could see he wanted to share.
I love stories! Well, fantasy really, but thats almost the same thing!
Ben relented. Soon, they were drinking good coffee, reading his tale, while Merlin presided, looking from one to the other with a wise, patronising eyeas if they were kittens at play.
Emma liked the tale. When Ben finally left for his flat, she felt a surprising sting of sadness. Just a little, because, after all, she still had the cat.
Then the doorbell rang. Merlin bristled and marched to the door regally. Emma called out:
Who is it?
Im here about your notice, came a voice from the hallmaking her freeze.
A part of her wanted not to open, but that would have been wrong. She opened up. On the step stood a tall, elderly gentleman in a sweeping black coat. He smiled.
No need to worry, my dear, he reassured her. I’m truly here for the cat. And to put your mind at ease, he goes by Merlin. There he is.
Indeed, the moment he spoke, Merlin leapt into the mans armsleaving Emma with no doubt who his owner was.
Do come in, she said, her voice failing her a little.
She almost wanted to cry. How do you get attached to a cat in just a day? The old man stepped inside, took in the flat, smiled kindly. She thought she saw a look pass between him and Merlin.
A cup of coffee, perhaps? he asked.
She brewed some, grateful Ben had left his good blend behind. Throughout, the old man and Merlin silently regarded each other, a whole conversation in glances.
By the way, he broke the silence at last, did you happen to find anything else?
Emma blushed scarlet. She fetched the lottery ticket, but the man waved her off.
Thats for you, my dear, he smiled.
But surely its yours? she protested.
But you found it, and it seems Merlin has no objections, he continued, his eyes twinkling.
What if its a winner? she stammered.
Will you really walk away from a little more happinessjust because youre afraid to hope? he asked gently.
Emma dropped her gaze. That wishshed made it last night, upon a falling star.
Let happiness in, Miss Emma, he beamed. And chin up! I daresay well meet again. When you return
Return from where? she wanted to ask, but he was already at the door, closing it softly behind him.
The key turned by itself in the lock, and Emma barely made it to her bed before sleep claimed her. She dreamed of Bens storya powerful wizard, always thinking of himself, whose magic never brought joy to others. As punishment, he was turned into a cat, destined to roam the earth until his enchantments faded
The next day, Emma boarded her bus, sunlight seeming brighter, passengers friendlier, the bus rolling more cheerfully along the city streets.
And yes, she checked the lottery ticketand wasnt even surprised when she won a weekend getaway by the sea. What astounded her more was her boss shaking her hand and saying:
Go enjoy yourself, Emma. Its about time. The boysll cover your shift, dont worry!
Then came the sea, and the stars, and a feeling like her whole self had been renewed.
She came home full of joy, with shells as souvenirs and the sea still whispering in her heart.
As she unlocked her door, Ben stepped out onto the landing. Tall, a bit awkward, hair tousled.
Someone called for you yesterday, he told her, studying her face. Then, quietly: You look different. Really lovely.
Thank you, Emma smiled. Did they say anything?
Ben slapped his forehead and disappeared. He returned with a bundle of grey fluff in his arms. The kittens face was unmistakable.
Well, all Persians look mildly superior.
Its your cats son Or, rather, the cat you found on the bus. His names Arthur. The old man said only you could raise him properly, Ben faltered, then blushed. Actually he said it differently.
How? Emmas heart skipped.
He said, You both could Only we, together, Ben finished. He looked as if he hadnt quite meant to say it.
Meow! confirmed Arthur the kitten, reaching for their hands.
Emma extended her palm and met Bens. And in that moment, the world gained a little more kindness, warmth, and ordinary happiness.
