The Litter Box Diaries (Part 3)

The Litter Box Diaries is a heartfelt mini-memoir series following the adventures of a stray cat named Chonky, who, against all odds, found his way into a loving home. At the time of writing, Chonky's fate remains uncertain, but it is my sincerest hope that his journey continues with love, warmth, and endless treats. This candid account captures not just Chonky's resilience but the joy, humour, and gentle chaos he brought to those fortunate enough to share his story.

The night began like any other. The sky was a deep, inky blue as I padded into the factory, my whiskers twitching at the anticipation of my nightly meal. But this time, something was different. The usual sounds of clinking and chatter were replaced by a soft, expectant quiet. That’s when I saw her—Giselle, a girl with kind eyes and an open smile. Beside her stood a boy, Lorenzo, who watched me with a mix of excitement and mischief.

Giselle crouched, offering me a piece of treat with a gentleness that felt different from the others. No sudden movements or loud voices. Just patience. Before I could process what was happening, I was wrapped in a blanket that smelled of lavender and faint traces of something sweet. I let out a few surprised meows—mostly for show—but Giselle’s soothing whispers calmed me.

The car ride back was long and strange, the road humming beneath us as the city lights turned into a blur outside. Lorenzo chatted away, his voice warm and familiar, while Giselle occasionally turned to make sure I was okay. By the time we arrived, the stars were scattered across the dark sky, and weariness pulled at my limbs.

The house was filled with strange scents: polished wood, old books, a hint of warm spices. I explored cautiously, finding a corner with a litter tray. My relief was short-lived, though, as a voice cut through the air—sharp and commanding. There she stood: Maleficent, with eyes that seemed to miss nothing and a presence that made the room feel smaller. Her gaze settled on me with a look that was anything but welcoming. Words spilt out of her in a steady stream, clipped and precise, like stones dropping one by one into a silent lake. I didn’t need to understand them to know I was the subject of her disapproval.

But Giselle stood firm, placing herself between Maleficent and me, her voice soft but unyielding. Lorenzo chimed in, his tone light but resolute, turning what could have been a battle into a negotiation. Maleficent’s eyes flickered with a storm, but with a final sigh and a look that promised this isn’t over, she turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing down the hall.

Giselle knelt beside me, her touch gentle as she stroked my back. Her eyes carried the same determination I’d seen when she first approached me at the factory. It was clear that, for now, I was safe. The room still held the chill of Maleficent’s disapproval, but the warmth of Giselle’s care started to push it back.

That night, I curled up in a corner on Lorenzo's bed, feeling the weight of this new place settle around me. It was foreign, filled with challenges I couldn’t yet fathom, but for the first time in what felt like forever, I fell asleep with the comfort of knowing I wasn’t alone. Whatever tomorrow brought, I was ready—because Giselle, with her quiet strength and gentle hands, had already made it clear that this was more than luck. It was a chance.