The Cat

“Then the cat and dog hugged and became friends forever!” Everyone in the 3rd standard classroom clapped as Drishti finished reading her story. “Wow, Drishti, you are a natural! We enjoy your stories very much. Keep it up,” the class teacher praised her as Drishti, with a big smile, went back to her bench.

​”So the cat felt scared to leave her dog friend and go to another city. But she had a hope in her heart that the dog would stay in touch and nothing would change…” Drishti closed her notes as she looked up at her four book club mates. “I am still working on the next part of the story.” They all nodded, and Shruti said, “Take your time, girl. I’m having writer’s block because I’m still getting used to this new city. You are way better than me!” Malini added, “Yeah, and the cat moving out to another city, leaving her only friend, is so relatable to me. I immediately texted my friend that I miss her! I really hope the cat finds new friends…” Drishti smiled and said, “Haha, I hope so too. Just like me, the cat will also find cool friends like you guys.”

​”‘I don’t know what I’m doing wrong? How do I fix this mess?’ Cat felt alone and misunderstood. As she lay in her box, she couldn’t sleep. But she was hanging in there to survive another day…” “Ah, see, there is the problem!” Before Drishti could read her story further, the agent interrupted her. “I’m thinking this could be a less intense. I read your story; it’s very impactful. You write well, but it’s so messy. Could this be a drama? Or a ‘Coming of Age’? Or a ‘Slice of Life’? What is this?” Drishti looked at him nervously. “I just started this story for fun. I think of it as a ‘slice of life,’ if we need a label.” The agent smiled and said, “Excellent! Can we also change the character into a human being? A cat is too childish. People might find it difficult to understand or connect with the story.” Drishti tensed. “I don’t know, like I said… I write for fun. This story is too close to my heart, especially the cat. I can’t imagine the cat as anyone else. Shruti said you liked my story, so I thought maybe I have a chance to publish it… It’s okay if you don’t like it.” The agent looked at her carefully. “Hey, I do love what you write. The emotions are strong and vivid, but if you want to sell this, you might need to cater to a bigger audience here. Like Harry Potter! All age ranges love it. Right now, the cat in your story is too depressing. Make it a little more relatable to everyone. I have your best interest at heart. You are still young; you have great potential. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother saying all this to anyone else.”

​”Then the cat and dog hugged and became friends forever!” Everyone in the 3rd standard classroom clapped as Drishti finished reading her story. “Wow, teacher, can you read to us tomorrow too? We love this story!” Sumati asked with excitement. Drishti laughed and said, “Story time is weekly, but if you guys do the classwork tomorrow quickly, maybe I will read the story.” Everyone cheered as the school bell rang.