The Big Apple has it all, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Yellow Cabs and an enormous faith in their “can do” attitude to life and the pursuit of happiness.
For one little life, the forest of legs quickly passing was overwhelming.
“Mamma?” a small whimper.
“Mamma!” more desperate.
Staying close to the edge of buildings, avoiding the teeming jungle of legs, a small life moved silently. Mamma hadn’t been seen since she had gone out in the darkness. Hunger and thirst finally forced a move.
There was movement, something reaching down, strange yet comforting in being lifted.
“Hello, kitty. Where’s mother cat?”
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Ross's Writing Blog 
Anonymous
May 16, 2012 at 23:07
Every mothers fear. You sure did get new york in their with your prompts. Very enjoyable, now who is the guy that picked her up?
Ross Mannell
May 18, 2012 at 20:45
Thanks for the comment.
I changed a couple words in the last line to make it more obvious the little life was a kitten. I realised there was still room for confusion. 🙂
lorrainefort
May 18, 2012 at 00:37
sSo glad that was not a child! nicely done! 🙂
Ross Mannell
May 18, 2012 at 20:52
Thanks for the comment.
I remember something like this from real life when I was about 19. While a student, I was working in a department store and was on a break when I heard an announcement asking shoppers to look for a three year old. I noticed a lone three year old amongst the people and approached the child. She responded to her name. As I led her to where her mother was waiting, a lady approached and asked if the child was mine. I explained what had happened and she asked if she could accompany me. Together, we delivered the child to the mother who was grateful.
It took one person to find the child and another to make certain she was with a safe person but it made me wonder what might have happened if someone’s motives had been darker. It’s a frightening thought for all parents.
lorrainefort
May 21, 2012 at 22:50
I used to take care of 6-10 children in my home daily; it was a challenge to keep track of them all, especially when we went out in places where there were groups. It truly takes a village, and vigilance!, to raise our children. …and I can only imagine the relief of that parent when they were reunited.
jabbersville
May 18, 2012 at 00:54
Let’s hope it was someone nice :0)
Susan Mann (@susankmann)
May 19, 2012 at 01:29
Nicely done.
Ross Mannell
May 19, 2012 at 06:15
Thanks for the comment.
The prompt was very much New York inspired. 🙂
prosingon
May 19, 2012 at 23:49
I got lost at six years old at the Canadian National Exhibition. I got distracted by someone at the big glass boxes full of toys and a mechanical arm. They were trying for the teddy bear. Anyway when the kid got the bear I turned around with glee to see if my mom was as impressed as I was, only to find her gone! Short story, I empathized with your kitty!
Ross Mannell
May 20, 2012 at 06:23
Thanks for the comment.
Having worked retail as a student for a number of years, at times I came across young ones lost. They see things through their eyes and would often answer their mum was lost rather than them. It can be very distressing, especially in crowds.
annahalford (@anhalf)
May 20, 2012 at 01:24
How original! Was also thinking it was a child to begin with. Pleased that it wasn’t!
Ross Mannell
May 20, 2012 at 06:26
Thanks for the comment.
The intention was to have people think it was a child to add sympathy for the lost kitten. Losing a young child in a crowd is a terrible thought but does happen in reality. I would hate to experience that with a child in my care.