Among the street noise and worldly vanity there unhurriedly walked a cat down a snowy path. Flakes of snow were slowly falling down covering his dark hair with a light pattern. He was leaving tracks of his small paws treading noiselessly on the cold white cover. The tomcat practically never showed his claws for he was very quiet and kind. People were passing by. The city was filled with a Pre-New Year bustle. But it was a common day for the tomcat, one out of many. Never did he celebrate New Year.
At the city park not only children, but also adults were playing at snowballs having fun and rejoicing at winter. The tomcat decided not to take part in this noisy pastime passing round the crowd with caution. He didn’t want to be accidentally touched, he didn’t want the kids to rush to pat him, he didn’t want anyone to notice him. He loved peace. Having found a bench free from snow he jumped on it, crouched into a heap right away so that to feel warmer and closed his big clever eyes.
The tomcat didn’t notice how much he had been sleeping. However, when some time passed and it grew dark he woke up because of the strange feeling that someone was watching him closely. He opened his eyes and saw a face of a little girl in front of him who was sitting right at the snow near the bench. The tomcat kept his eyes fixed on her just like the girl who was looking at him attentively.
Hello, - she said. Why are you sitting here? New Year is at hand, don’t you know it? The tomcat didn’t answer her, he just tucked up his fluffy paws. Are you going to spend the whole holiday like that? – she asked. The girl looked thoughtfully in her big bag. I’m carrying home some presents, she said taking out a colourful box tied with a bright ribbon. This is to my mum. She took out the next one. And this one is for my friend. Having opened the bag wide enough for the cat to see the contents she started pointing with her finger to the presents telling him who they were meant for. And will you give presents to your friends? she asked. The tomcat was still silent. No? Not at all? she uttered with a sad look. Having been silent for a while, she burned with an idea. Tomcat, tomcat, come to the Christmas tree in the park when the fireworks start. Come, I’ll be awaiting you there! She took off a mitten and patted it with her hand whisking away the droplets of melted snowflakes from his hair. Do not forget! the girl said and went away. The tomcat thought to himself: “I'd like her to pat me one more time...” Thus reflecting he dropped into sleep.
Sharp loud sounds aroused him. He even startled a bit, but then he realized that it was firework. Having sprung from the bench, he walked ahead slowly. Enthusiastic exclamations and congratulations were heard from every quarter. Roaming about the park the tomcat came up to a wide ground in the middle of which there stood a big Christmas tree. He didn’t know what time it was but he thought he was late and that the girl had already left or hadn’t come at all. But all of a sudden he saw a small figure in the distance and rushed towards it at full lick.
Tomcat! the girl exclaimed. I knew you’d come! she sat near the tomcat and patted him again. This time he just couldn’t keep from purring. You’re a nice tomcat, she said and took a small box out of her pocket. This is for you!
“For me...” the tomcat thought and couldn’t believe himself. The girl opened the box and took a small beautiful chain out of it which she had bought specially for him. Now the tomcat had a real collar, now he was a real pet tomcat. He licked the small girl’s hand with gratitude and she smiled at him cheerfully.
Happy New Year, Tomcat! she congratulated him. Let’s go, there are tons of delicacies in store for you at home!
They were walking along the path and chatting. Big snowflakes were falling down slowly; the snow sparkled and became iridescent at the tomcat’s hair who felt for the first time what New Year was about. Since then they have been celebrating it together with the little girl.