In one ordinary but very good family lived a boy named Jack. He eagerly awaited his birthday because he thought his parents would give him what he'd been dreaming of and asking for so long—a tablet.
And then that day arrived. Jack was still lying in bed when his parents brought home the long-awaited surprise.
Knock, knock, knock, our dear birthday boy!
Mum whispered cheerfully.
Yes, yes!
The boy said with a smile.
Happy birthday, our sunshine!
The parents said in unison.
Thanks, my dears!
Jack responded.
Jack immediately noticed the box in Dad's hands, but it was much larger than one that could fit a tablet. Then something in the box began to move.
Here, take this. It's for your birthday. Be a true mate to him!
Dad said.
The parents quickly opened the box, and out climbed a little kitten. He was almost entirely black, with just a few white spots decorating his fur.
What's this?
Jack asked, puzzled and a bit annoyed.
It's a kitten! Let's give him a name!
Mum said caringly.
Surprise! Unwanted! Not what I wanted! I asked for a tablet! And what did you give me—some cat? What do I need him for!
The boy shouted angrily.
What! You'll play with him, look after him—it's so interesting!
The parents were surprised by Jack's behaviour.
No, I won't! I don't need him!
Jack snapped.
Meow! Purrr!
Came a sound from nearby.
What are you purring about!
Jack grumbled.
How can I go outside now? I've already told everyone I'd get a tablet, and here you are!
The boy said plaintively.
I'll call you Surprise, but you're an unpleasant surprise for me.
The parents were worried that Jack had reacted so angrily to the gift. They thought it was the best thing for a boy his age, that he'd find it interesting to care for a kitten. Alas! The boy's sad mood spoke for itself.
Jack sat on the bed whilst Surprise began playing with a thread sticking out from the boy's sock.
What are you doing?
The boy asked, puzzled.
Get off!
He pushed the kitten away.
But Surprise didn't even think of stopping. Now he was playing with the boy's hand, chasing it all over the bed.
Hey! Leave off, I said!
Jack shouted with a smile.
The kitten was having fun, and he snuggled up to Jack, purring something sweetly that sounded like a greeting.
Alright then! Come here, I'll give you a pat! You're not so bad—look how handsome you are, all black.
Jack said.
Oh no, there are white spots too. You're my mate now, Surprise!
The boy whispered, examining him.
A month passed, and Jack didn't even notice that he'd grown to love his kitten. He was so absorbed with his mate Surprise that he'd forgotten he'd once been disappointed by his birthday present.
All day they were together. Jack made a toy for Surprise in the shape of a bow. He folded paper and tied it with string to make a bow, and Surprise cheerfully chased after it.
During lunch, Jack fed Surprise from his own plate, giving him the tastiest morsels. The boy spared nothing for his mate. And they even slept together—Surprise would curl up beside Jack and fall sweetly asleep.
One evening, when Jack was getting ready for bed, he saw Surprise hiding something. It turned out to be a little hat with a large white feather.
What's this?
Jack asked himself.
That's my hat!
Surprise answered.
Ahh! You're talking! But how! Or am I dreaming!
Jack muttered in amazement.
I'm not an ordinary cat, I'm a magical cat! You've been so caring towards me, I want to thank you for it. Ask for whatever you want, I'll grant it all!
Surprise said proudly.
Really anything at all?
Jack persisted.
Yes, yes! Absolutely anything!
I want... hmm, I want... I want a tablet! I've been dreaming of one for ages!
The boy shouted happily.
So be it!
The cat answered calmly.
A small box immediately appeared on the table, and Jack rushed to open it.
Hooray! It's my tablet!
Jack said, quickly unwrapping the device and already tapping the screen.
I'm glad you like it!
The cat said, but Jack wasn't listening anymore.
He was so absorbed with the tablet that all evening he didn't think about Surprise. Days went by, and Jack found more and more new games on the tablet, whilst his kind kitten sat alone in the armchair all that time, only occasionally playing with his own tail. Jack had no time for him now. His dream had come true—he showed off the tablet outside, and didn't even take Surprise with him.
Surprise thought for a long time and decided not to bother Jack. He slipped through Dad's legs when he came home. The room became quiet.
G'day! Where's Surprise?
Dad said.
Around here somewhere!
Jack answered without looking up from the tablet.
Strange, I don't see him anywhere. You should look for him.
Dad persisted.
I'll find him later. I'm on a difficult level in the game right now.
The boy muttered.
In the evening, when it was time for bed, Jack waited for Surprise to jump onto the bed any moment. But it didn't happen.
Where is he? Surprise! Surprise!
Jack began searching for the cat.
But no one answered. Jack realised that Surprise had left, and he felt sad. All night he remembered how they'd played together, how he'd run around the room with him, how he'd purred affectionately, and Jack would fall asleep to Surprise's melodious purring.
It's all my fault! I don't need this tablet! Soulless toy!
The boy said resentfully and threw the tablet onto the bedside table.
In the morning, Jack jumped out of bed. He so hoped to find Surprise and quickly ran outside.
Surprise! Surprise!
The boy shouted. But in response, he only heard the wind.
And then nearby Jack heard:
I'm here!
The boy looked up and saw his black beloved on a tree branch.
Surprise! Come to me! I've missed you so much!
Jack rejoiced.
How? What about your tablet? You're so absorbed with it that you don't need me anymore.
The cat said calmly.
No! Not at all! I need you, really need you! If you want, I'll smash the tablet, just come back!
Jack pleaded.
What! Why smash such a useful thing? There's so much useful stuff on a tablet besides games. I'll show you.
The cat said, climbing down and settling into the boy's arms.
Surprise helped Jack find many interesting activities on the tablet, like drawing and reading books. And together with Surprise, Jack found it much more fun and enjoyable to learn something new.
