Fish Out of Water From Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned From the Cat By Megan Carty Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout in the milk. ~Henry David Thoreau One hot summer day my best friend Danielle appeared at my doorstep. She was holding a small lime green tank and inside was her beloved Chinese fighting fish named Lil' Blue. Alongside was her mother with the keys to her house and a long list of instructions. Their family was going away on a three-week vacation and they trusted me to look after their two cats and the fish. This was my first "real" job and I was determined to do an excellent job. I'd walk to their house twice a day to care for the cats, and the fish would remain under my watchful eye on my bedside table. "Don't worry," I called as they drove down the driveway, "I'll take care of them. Your pets are safe with me." And I kept true to my word. The fish got fresh water and a tank cleaning on a regular basis, the cats' meals never came a minute late, and the litter box was cleaned daily. Time flew by and before I knew it my job was coming to an end. In just two short days, Danielle and her family would be returning home and greeting their wonderful pets. There would be a twenty-dollar bill with my name on it. (Keep reading) |