Loving a special friend and losing her so soon were unbearable feelings that gripped my very young life.

On my tenth birthday, a white, fluffy and cuddly cat was my very special present from Mum. Her name was Kitty. She became the joy of my life. She was so lovable. In an instant, friendship developed. We became great friends. We did a lot of things together such as playing, bathing, sleeping, watching TV, strolling and other chummy activities. Her meals were always special.

Then one fateful day came at the height of unusual excitement, I opened a cupboard, pulled out a medium-size can without reading the label and quickly opened it and poured its content in the bowl.

“Kitty! Kitty! Kitty! Come. Food is ready!” I called out.

Hearing my voice, Kitty sprinted towards me and saw her food. She excitedly started to eat. A minute or two later, she slumped down the floor, making strong gurgling sounds and breathing irregularly with eyes opened so blankly wide! Her whole body kept twitching. That frightened me and I screamed out for help!

Mum came in a flash. She quickly wrapped Kitty up and rushed her to the vet’s. What I could do then was to accompany Mum. The vet was quick and thorough. Kitty was food poisoned! She needed an immediate surgery.

It came too soon but too late. Kitty died during the operation. The toxic in her body had spread. I killed her! I carelessly fed her poison. There was no excuse for my foolish action! And I paid the price for my carelessness.

That was the heart-breaking experience I ever had.