The Desert Cat

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THE DESERT CAT

Mia skipped along the lush green grass from the fields to the village, gently springing her arms out wide so she tickled the old oak tree, Hind. The air was moist, perfect conditions in the sweltering heat, and the corn looked ripe and golden, just right and ready for the harvesting season. Papa and Momma would be ecstatic. Mia gently wondered along home towards the clay houses, built near the hilly areas of Basra.

        She stopped near the young stream and picked up a small stick slashing at the overgrown grass cutting down the job for Papa and Momma. She skipped silently hoping to find a poor young animal and make it her own pet. She would care and nurture it. She searched silently hoping not to scare the animal. She was used to rodents like the desert mouse and the camel, but longed for a small animal like a desert cat. However it was not to be. It was a tiny mouse that Mia had already seen millions of times as she recalled.

        She walked slowly towards home, disappointed that there was still no desert cat. She was still at a tender age, just seven, and a desert cat would be the ideal present. Mia turned back towards home and walked through the woods, the long way, so she might find the sleeping beauty, a desert cat. She wondered around slowly, lightly picking up small leaves and shrubs, trying not to disturb a hiding creature. The atmosphere was still moist, but the towering canopy trees kept out the scorching sun. It was a perfect place to sleep. This was the only part in Basra where greenery was present. It was a lush area, where the animals could live freely. Mia was one of the lucky ones to come here everyday.  She came along here everyday to collect the water. The community well was situated there and water was a priceless gift.

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        Mia wondered along, slowly, inaudibly and discreetly towards a small spot in the woods, where there was a small bustle. She was sure there was something there. As she approached, she heard small heavy breathing. She slowly brushed away the leaves and there it was. A desert cat. It was sleeping as Mia thought. Mia gently picked it up and cradled the little baby. She had heard so much of a desert cat, and to hold one was much of a privilege to her.

        Her pace increased as she headed for home. The village had now come into sight. ...

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