Niblet

Snip was used to being pampered. He rode on Arthur’s shoulders every morning from their apartment to Tilly’s house, where Arthur enjoyed breakfast with his fiancée. Later, he hid in the folds of the coat when they went into the reading room of the library. A mid-morning nap was always welcome!

A bit after one, Arthur and Snip wandered into the coffeehouse, where the left rear table for two was usually reserved for Arthur and Tilly. Soon after arriving, the table was covered with the Daily News, the New York Times, and Arthur’s Journal book containing the latest story he was writing. Not long after that Snip made his first mouse patrol outside in the alley behind the coffeehouse. His friends depended upon him to keep the mice away!

A Kitten?

It was on that patrol that Snip found Niblet. Niblet was a tiny kitten. He ran to Snip with big purrs and a sorrowful plea for food. ” I lost momma, and I haven’t eaten!”

Snip promptly picked Niblet up by the scruff of the neck and proudly strolled into the coffeehouse kitchen. If anyone could take care of a hungry kitten, it was Maria! Maria was a chef and she often fixed Snip’s lunch, and it was about lunch time!

“What has Santa Claus brought into my kitchen? The ever-hungry Snip and a little friend? Oh, a little present for Maria!” Soon, both cats were eating hungrily. She commented that the baby Niblet was a suitable heir to Snip’s huge appetite! Maria told Niblet that he could have seconds after his first meal settled, and directed the two cats into the music room where a couple of folksingers were practicing Christmas carols for tonight’s performance.

Soon the two were being fawned over, and Lucille, one of the Countryside Singers, was improvising a lullaby for Niblet. Warm, fed, and sleepy, the little cat slept under the table in the bed the performers made out of their coats.

Snip, however, had no time for relaxation. Into the front room, he marched and loudly informed Arthur that something needed his immediate attention!

Arthur and Tilly followed Snip into the music room, where they were apprised of the situation with the kitten. In just a few hours, the Christmas program would start, and Arthur, Tilly, and the Countryside singers would be involved in the annual Christmas pageant. “Well, said Arthur, ” let’s keep him cozy, and after the performance, we’ll find him a home. So Niblet drowsed and slept warm in the woolen coats. There things stayed in the hours leading up to the performance.

A Nativity with a Twist

At seven, the Countryside Singers mounted the small stage and started the performances with a set of Christmas carols. Arthur then told one of his stories about Snip when he was little and his first Christmas. Snip proudly sat by Tilly, listening. Arthur had published a series of children’s books featuring the bold kitten Snip and his mighty adventures. He was a celebrity! Unnoticed, Niblet had searched out a hiding place where he could observe the goings on, but not be seen. He burrowed beneath a conveniently placed bit of blanket.

Silent Night?

The singing and stories all done, the gathered customers and performers started singing Silent Night. Maria slowly pulled aside the curtain and revealed the cradle holding the infant Jesus. At the end of the song, everyone started clapping. The sudden noise woke the sleeping Niblet, who sat up with the cradle he shared with the infant Jesus. “Mweoor?” There was more applause and much laughter.

Bodega Cat

Tilly, Arthur, and Snip took Niblet home with them until a permanent home could be found. By the Monday following, Maria had informed Carlos, her brother, that a cute and very smart kitten was available for adoption. Carlos was the proprietor of a newly opened bodega, but he had no cat. Now, everyone in New York City knows that a bodega without a cat is not a quality establishment. So Niblet soon found himself installed as Casa Carlos’ bodega cat, lord of all he surveyed, beloved of all, and ridiculously pampered.

Now every morning Snip and Niblet exchanged greetings when Arthur and Tilly stopped to buy their newspapers.

****This is the second story in the ongoing adventures of Snip. Read the first one here: https://loucarrerascarver.com/2024/12/19/snip-2/