CHERRY

My name is Cherry and I am a mixed breed cat.

For a long time, my home was a destroyed school. Only the walls and the smell of burning remained there. I lived among broken glass, desks and burnt books. And every new explosion reminded me that I was an accidental guest here, that this place was no longer for the living.

I went out only at night to look for food. Sometimes I find crumbs of bread or empty cans. Hunger became my constant companion. I was afraid of everything and got used to being invisible.

Everything changed on the day when some people came to the school. A little strange, because I heard how during the shelling they continued to look for animals like me. Abandoned and completely lost in these unfair realities. They were examining the building and suddenly found me. I was sitting in the corner, curled up. One of them sat down and said: "Come here, girl. I promise, everything will be fine with you now." I didn't believe it right away, but his voice was different, not like many other people's.

I took a step. Then another. And let myself be lifted. At that moment, long-forgotten feelings returned to me. I realized that I was safe now.

Then my life in the shelter began. It is quiet here and nothing bothers me here. On my soft pillow, I fall asleep without fear and for the first time I see dreams again in which I have never experienced what happened to me in the past because of this damned war.

And I believe that one day there will be those people who will decide to adopt me and give me a family of which I will remain a part forever.