Once upon a time there were three little Kittens. One day, when Mother Cat went out to work, they found themselves in a dense forest without even realising it. Night was falling, and the little ones couldn't find their way back home—they were lost.
They settled in an abandoned burrow in an old oak tree and made the forest their home. The kittens were frightened by everything; the forest world was unknown to them: they had to find food themselves, build their new home, and learn to live in these new circumstances.
Somewhere else in the forest lived a lonely Lioness. Her son Leo had grown up long ago and now lived independently, leaving her alone. Her friend was a Squirrel who had two disobedient Squirrel kits.
One day, whilst jumping from branch to branch, they ran away from their mother and met the Kittens. They began to play together and didn't notice how quickly time passed—it grew dark and night was approaching.
The Squirrel kits needed to return home, but the forest had become dark and frightening. Without hesitating long, they decided to spend the night with their new friends.
Mother Squirrel waited a long time for her children, grew anxious and decided to go and search for them. On the way, she met the Lioness and shared her troubles.
The Lioness offered her help in finding the children, as two would have better chances. They asked everyone they met about the Squirrel kits, but no one had seen them.
We've searched almost the entire forest—where could they be?
Said the Lioness, puzzled.
Let's look once more by the big old oak tree, perhaps they're there.
The Squirrel kits heard their mother's familiar voice and quickly climbed out of the burrow.
The Squirrel, overjoyed, embraced her disobedient children.
You frightened me terribly—why are you here?
Asked their mother.
Sorry, Mummy, we were playing with our new friends and didn't notice how quickly time flew by.
The Squirrel kits explained.
But why are they living here?
Asked Mother Squirrel.
They got lost and now live without their mother, alone, in this burrow. There's no one to look after them.
The Squirrel kits explained.
The Lioness joined the conversation, feeling very sorry for the little Kittens:
I'm just as lonely as you are—my son has been living with his own family separately for a long time. If you don't mind, come with me. We'll live together and have a new family!
In that moment, the Kittens were the happiest! They had a mother again, one who would love them, raise them, protect them, and care for them when they were ill.
The Lioness grew to love her adopted children dearly, surrounding them with care and attention.
Every mother needs to pour her soul and love into someone so as not to feel lonely. And every child absolutely needs a mother, for she, without a moment's hesitation, will give her heart for each and every child!
