“Papa, can I keep him?” Ruthie asked, as she tiptoed towards her grandfather in the barn. 

“What do you have?” Papa asked.

Ruthie held out a small black bundle of fur and tickled it with her thumbs. A tiny black kitten blinked opened green eyes and stared at Ruthie. 

“My goodness, where did you find him?” Papa knelt in front of Ruthie and scratched the kitten behind his ears.

“I found him down by the stream. He stumbled and almost fell in the water, but I caught him. I looked for his mama, but I couldn’t find her anywhere. May I keep him? His name is Midnight.” 

“Well,” Papa said, “I haven’t seen any cats around. I suppose if his mama doesn’t turn up, you can keep him. You know how your mom feels about pets, though. When she comes in August, I think this little guy will have to stay with Granny and me.”

“But, I won’t be back until next summer,” Ruthie protested. 

“I know, honey, but it’s the best that I can do.”

“Okay, Papa,” Ruthie said.

“Let’s get Midnight some food. He looks hungry,” Papa said, as Midnight licked Ruthie’s ear.

For the rest of the summer, Ruthie raced all over the farm with Midnight. They chased butterflies, crept up on toads, and shooed away mice. One late August day, Ruthie relaxed under a tree while Midnight snoozed on her lap. 

It isn’t fair that I have to leave him, she thought. Mom doesn’t think I’m old enough for a pet, but she’s wrong. Nine is definitely old enough. Maybe, I can convince her to let me keep him. 

The next day, Ruthie’s mom arrived. After a quick hug, Ruthie led Mom to Midnight’s bed, a pile of hay and feathers. Ruthie scooped up the cat.

“I found him, Mom. He was all alone, and I saved him. I gave him food and water and played with him and made this bed for him. I named him Midnight.” Ruthie stopped, took a deep breath, and whispered, “Can I keep him? Please?”

“Oh, Ruthie,” Mom said, “Pets are a lot of work. I’m glad you enjoyed playing with him, but what happens when you get home and have better things to do? I will end up taking care of him and that’s not fair to me or Midnight.”

“That won’t happen, Mom! I love him and he loves me,” Ruthie said. Midnight licked Ruthie’s hand. 

Mom shook her head and said, “I’m sorry, Ruthie.”

Ruthie hugged Midnight to her chest and ran out of the barn. She sank to the ground next to the stream. Stifling a sob, she stroked Midnight’s fur and stared at the water swirling around the rocks. The chirp of the crickets relaxed Ruthie and she drifted off to sleep. 

She awoke with a start, as a bolt of lightning peeled across the sky, followed by a boom of thunder and a trickle of raindrops. Ruthie jumped to her feet.

“Midnight!” 

She didn’t see him, so she ran to the barn where Mom waited. Ruthie dashed inside and looked at Midnight’s empty bed. 

“Mom, have you seen Midnight?” 

Mom shook her head. “I thought he was with you.”

“He didn’t come back? I have to find him. He could get hurt!” Ruthie said and rushed back into the storm. She heard her mom calling but didn’t stop.

She raced back to the stream. Through the howling wind, Ruthie heard a faint meow. She spun around and spotted Midnight. His claws gripped the muddy bank on the other side of the stream. The rain blasted his body. The wind threatened to blow him into the water.

Ruthie gasped. She looked around, but there was no bridge to cross. She stood on the edge of the bank wondering what to do, when Midnight’s claws began to slip. Ruthie jumped into the stream. The water slapped her ankles as she waded across. She reached Midnight as his claws slipped off the bank and he splashed into the water. She grabbed him and held him against her body.

As she waded back, Mom walked up. 

“I saw what happened. What were you thinking, jumping in the water like that?” Mom asked, as she pulled Ruthie out of the stream.

“I had to save Midnight.”

“What about you? You could have been hurt.” 

Ruthie didn’t answer. She concentrated on Midnight. He was muddy, drenched, and shaking. She tucked him inside her sweatshirt and walked with Mom back to the barn.

Mom wrapped Ruthie and Midnight in a fleece blanket and sat down with them on a bale of hay. 

“I’m sorry I ran out like that,” Ruthie murmured.

Mom wrapped her arms around Ruthie. “You shouldn’t have jumped into the stream, but I know Midnight needed your help. I guess you worry about him, like I worry about you.” 

Ruthie nodded, tears overflowing. “I’m going to miss him.”

“Papa told me you’ve done a good job with Midnight this summer. He thinks you’re ready for a pet.”

Ruthie looked at Mom.

Mom sighed and then smiled.

“Pets are a lot of work, Ruthie, but I can tell you love Midnight. Let’s give it a try.” 

Ruthie jumped up. “You mean it?”

Mom nodded. Ruthie squealed and knocked her over with a hug. Midnight wiggled out from between them. He licked Ruthie and then Mom. Laughter filled the barn.