“What the.........” new Dad leapt out of bed, and rushed downstairs. There was lots of banging and cursing coming from the kitchen as he looked for a torch.

In the dark porch George and Lucky quickly clasped paws. “So long, pal” whispered George.

“Thanks for everything George” Lucky whispered back, a lump in his throat.

New Dad barged in with the torch, new Mom creeping behind him. He stumbled to the door, flung it open and in poured all the neighborhood cats, weaving around his legs in a tight circle. New Dad was rooted to the spot and dropped the torch. Lucky made a run for it. The cats wandered off. George crept behind a big artificial plant.

“What the ........”new Dad was left staring into the now silent night for several stunned moments. George peered, wide-eyed, through the plastic leaves.

“Aren’t you going after Lucky” new Mom said. “Nah, good riddance I say” replied new Dad, picking up the torch and locking the door.

Left alone George padded softly over to his cushion and curled up in a ball. He cried quietly to himself ; “My poor friend, how can they be so heartless”.

Lucky woke with a start, and felt the freezing drizzle of November rain trickle down his nose. Darkness was beginning to fall and the woodland creatures were silent, busy tucking themselves in for the night. Lucky cocked an ear and listened to the faint whisper of Winter in the wind.  His nose twitched, testing the cold damp air, thick with earthy smells. His stomach rumbled with hunger. Reluctantly, he willed his aching bones into action. ‘Hey, ho - I guess it’s time to sniff out some garbage cans”.

He stretched and started to head towards the road when something caught his eye. Through the trees in the distance were thousands of tiny twinkling lights, like stars caught by surprise in branches and bushes as they tumbled to earth at daybreak. Lucky’s eyes grew round with amazement and slowly he started to walk in the direction of this magical sight. As he drew nearer, he could see that the lights were garlanded around strange twisted trees surrounding a mysterious looking house, all covered in ivy. Candles flickered at the windows and a tall turret rose from each corner.

Lucky crept forward cautiously, yelping in surprise when he saw four black cats sitting in a row on the front step. Four pairs of huge yellow eyes surveyed him solemnly. Four pairs of very pointy ears twitched in his direction. Silently the cats parted. in pairs, to reveal a heavy oak door which slowly swung open on creaking hinges. Beyond the door Lucky caught a glimpse of a dimly lit hallway, and a fleeting shadow disappearing into the gloom.

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