WITCH'S BALLET

He crept along the street as quietly as possible especially if he saw someone coming, he did not want to attract attention to himself.He passed quietly under the arcades of the medieval buildings looking everywhere watching for any movement that might lead him to his beloved sister. He peered into the main square of the little town, it was winter and not a market day which meant that there were few people around to confuse the issue. A few brave folk drank coffee or hot chocolate with a cake in one of the few teashops that were open. Some went into a gift shop, the only one open this time of year, to warm themselves as they bought some small gift. He carried on looking. He knew that his owner loved this time of year and maybe because of that his sister did too. This is why he felt that he had every chance of finding her here in this medieval town with its old houses full of charm and old paving stones.

He spotted a shop where a light shone on the opposite side of the square to the gift shop. It made him curious especially when he saw an unusual shape in front of the window something that meant something to him, that called to him and drew him inexorably towards it. He moved slowly, majestically, lightfooted and elegant, he was always elegant whenever he moved. When he got closer to the shop he recognised the shape of the strange looking creature, but it did not frighten him at all, he who was frightened by the slightest puff of wind, because he saw in this strange looking creature a hope of finding his sister. He, a magnificent long coated black cat could hardly be frightened of a witch, even a live one, but this was only a dummy in the window of a shop called" Witch's Ballet". He smiled and entered with confidence into the shop whose open door seemed to invite him in. Once inside the door closed quietly behind him. He gazed in awe at the many enchanted creatures, one more wonderful than the other. He stood, lost in admiration not knowing which creature to  turn to when on of them suddenly turned into a beautiful witch before his very eyes."Tom, I've been waiting a long time for you to come always knowing that you would come". She looked towards the staircase whose bannisters were carved with many fairy like creatures, she guestured for him to climb the wooden stairs that felt warm beneath his paws, and which he hoped would lead him to his sister.   He paused on each step absorbing the warmth of the wood and the benevolence that emanated from it, taking his time to admire each fairy creature as he passed it.

At the top of the stairs he entered a room with scattered cushions, soft baskets and cat trees made a cosy place for a large number of cats "Jerry" he called seeing his sister fast asleep on a bed with a soft eiderdown. Not wanting to wake her he slipped beside her savouring this wonderful moment and purring with all of his might. He fell asleep beside his sister and when he awoke he found himself on his owners bed at home in the house in the country where he lived. Making sure that it had only been a dream he went looking for his sister who was fast asleep on her young owner's bed.

Deep in his heart he thanked the witch who he knew watched over him and his family.