Emily is 10 years old. She loves animals, but she does not have a pet of her own.

One day, when Emily was playing outside her house, she saw a gray cat. It was moving slowly and seemed to be thirsty.

Emily told her mom about the cat outside and asked if she could give it something to drink. Her mom agreed and gave her a bowl filled with water.

Thank you!

When Emily returned outside with the bowl, the cat was gone. She went back into the house, but she left the bowl of water outside, hoping that the cat might return.

The next day, when Emily went outside to play, the bowl was empty. She saw the cat walking over to her.

Meow...

Emily stepped towards the cat and held out her hand. Gently, she pet the cat and smiled. "I will call you Misty", she said.

Misty!

Misty looked thirsty again. Emily went inside to fill the bowl with water, and this time, Misty was there waiting for her when she came out. Emily put the bowl down and let Misty drink.

When Misty was finished, she walked away. Emily went back into her house, happy that the cat had returned.

The next day, before Emily went outside, her mom helped her prepare some food for Misty and a bowl of water in case she came back.

Sure enough, Misty was waiting for Emily outside. Emily was so happy to see her again! She smiled as she put the bowls down and pet Misty.

Misty!

Meow...

As Emily watched Misty enjoy the food and water, she realized that she finally had a pet she could care for.

Every day, when Emily went outside, she would bring food and water for Misty, who would meet her with a "Meow". Emily also gave her new friend yarn to play with.

Meow!

One day, Misty did not meet Emily outside right away. When she finally arrived, she moved very slowly, and did not eat or drink anything. Emily left the bowls outside.