Rocky (6 page)

When the judge picked Kitty up, the kitten scrambled up beneath the judge's chin and purred.

“The winner!” announced the judge. “Definitely the cutest and cuddliest kitten I've ever met!”

WHEN THEY GOT
home, Jane and Ruby took their pets into the playroom. Both of them had rosettes. Both were winners.

“I'm glad Kitty won,” said Ruby.

“Thanks.”

“You can look at my rock's babies if you want.”

Jane stroked her rosette thoughtfully. “You can play with Kitty whenever you like, Ruby.”

“Thanks,” said Ruby.

Ruby placed her rock gently on the floor. “It's tired after the fête,” she said.

“Ruby, you know it isn't . . .” began Jane. But she stopped. The kitten had suddenly noticed the rock and was staring at it in amazement. The stone face stared back.

Kitty began to creep up on the rock, stalking it, imagining it was a dangerous creature.

Suddenly she pounced, landing right on top of the rock, but her claws couldn't hold on and she slithered off, rolling and tumbling in a furry ball. She darted round the rock and tried again and again, slipping off each time. Finally she sank down beside the rock and licked it.

Jane giggled.

“They're going to be best friends,” said Ruby.

“I hope so,” said Jane.

Ruby smiled. She was so looking forward to playing with Kitty. She'd make toys for her
and cardboard tunnels to run through and make Kitty like her so much she would sleep on her bed too. She knew how to look after a pet, all right. She grinned. It was going to be such fun.

Rocky from Planet Droppablock went on smiling too.

THE END

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Lisle was born in Yorkshire. She trained at Oxford University as a Biology teacher. After having lived in such exciting places as New York and Switzerland, she now lives in London with her husband, two sons, and two cats.