An unexpected gift

When I got on the bus, it was very crowded and I couldn’t find a seat. I was in London and it was rush hour
so I expected the bus to be full. It was Christmas time, so the bus was full of people doing Christmas
shopping, chatting, laughing and and talking about their plans for Christmas and New Year. I was on my
own coming back from university. I felt particularly lonely and sad because I really missed my family in
Italy.

I saw an old man with a kind, welcoming face and decided to stand near him. I was staring out of the
window at the heavy rain beating on the window when a strange movement caught my attention. The old
man was holding a little rucksack which was moving. I looked at the bag and heard a little cry- then
another – then another. I asked the man if he was feeling ok. He smiled and opened his bag. Inside were 3
tiny kittens. My heart jumped – they were adorable!

The man looked at me, then gave me the little black and white kitten and said “I think you need his
company my dear. This is my gift to you - an early Christmas present to make you smile and fill your heart
with love.”