Noël 25 December 2005

Continuation on Pebble's baby from this post where Pebble introduced her newborn to EJ.

Appointment for Pebble's check-up and spaying operation was on Saturday morning. That afternoon EJ made her cage more comfortable for her recuperation.

The next day on Sunday afternoon, EJ's brother told EJ that he saw some children playing with a tiny white kitten in the playground and later threw it under the coconut tree growing outside the neighbour's house opposite.

Immediately EJ dashed out to look under the tree and to the left and right of it. There was none. Every inch of the huge drain beside it was also scrutinised. With dark clouds looming above, EJ had to find the kitten as it will not survive the downpour. EJ's brother came out to help look but there was no sign of the kitten. Then he mentioned that perhaps it was picked up by the owner of that house.

With that EJ forgot all manners and walked right in. Luckily EJ's mom was in that house that time enjoying herself playing mahjong with the house's owner and relatives. EJ tried to be as casual as possible asked, "Ma, did you see a white kitten outside under the tree?". Not wanting to be interrupted too much in the mahjong play and without looking up, the house owner replied, "In the pail on the table at the porch!".

EJ looked into the pail, picked up the kitten and checked.

Yes! This was the very kitten Pebble gave!

The sudden downpour started.

Placing the kitten under the T-shirt, with shoulders and back hunched forward to shield the kitten from the rain, EJ ran home. Though a short distance across the road, EJ was drenched but the kitten was dry and warm.

Once home, the kitten was placed in a cardboard box lined with EJ's old T-shirt. EJ started digging out the milk bottle for small animals used previously to bottle feed abandoned newborn kittens.

Since he was born on 25 December 2005, EJ named him Noël. It is of French origin, and the meaning of Noël is "Christmas".

Less than a week old and without Pebble's milk, this was how small Noel was. The green thing placed beside for comparison is EJ's reading glasses case. His eyes were not opened yet and ears just flaps.

The next day was a working day. In order to feed Noel, EJ decided to take him to work and gathered all his stuff in a backpack. Noel was placed in that same tiny plastic aquarium and then in a hand-held paper bag.

Travel during morning rush hour in a train was packed with only standing room. Everything went fine till Noel decided to give a tiny squeak. The young lady standing beside EJ glared very hard at EJ. And continued glaring. Perhaps she thought EJ belched or let out air from the other end.

EJ decided to make her day, whispered and showed her Noel. Immediately she warmed up, smiled and her whole body softened.

To continue on Friday on Noel in office.

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