In one ordinary but very good family, there lived a boy called Alex. He eagerly awaited his birthday because he thought his parents would give him what he had dreamt of and asked for so long—a tablet.
And then that day arrived. Alex 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.
Thank you, my dears!
Alex replied.
Alex 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 friend to him!
Dad said.
The parents hastily opened the box, and out climbed a little kitten. He was almost entirely black, with just a few white patches decorating his fur.
What's this?
Alex asked, puzzled and slightly 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 have you given 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 Alex's behaviour.
No, I won't! I don't need him!
Alex snapped.
Miaow! Purrr!
A sound came from nearby.
What are you purring about!
Alex grumbled.
How can I go outside now? I've already told everyone I'd get a tablet, and here you are!
The boy said tearfully.
I'll call you Surprise, but you're an unpleasant surprise for me.
The parents were worried that Alex had reacted so angrily to the gift. They thought it was the best thing a boy his age needed, that he would find it interesting to care for a kitten. Alas! The boy's sad mood spoke for itself.
Alex sat on the bed whilst Surprise began playing with a thread sticking out of 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. He was now playing with the boy's hand, chasing it all over the bed.
Hey! Leave me alone, I said!
Alex shouted with a smile.
The kitten was having fun, and he snuggled up to Alex, purring something sweetly that sounded like a greeting.
All right then! Come here, I'll stroke you! You're not so bad—look how handsome you are, all black.
Alex said.
Oh no, there are white patches too. You're my friend now, Surprise!
The boy whispered, examining him.
A month passed, and Alex didn't even notice that he had grown to love his kitten. He was so absorbed with his friend Surprise that he forgot he had once been upset about his birthday present.
They were together all day. Alex 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, Alex fed Surprise from his own plate, giving him the tastiest morsels. The boy spared nothing for his friend. And they even slept together—Surprise would curl up beside Alex and fall sweetly asleep.
One evening, when Alex 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?
Alex asked himself.
It's my hat!
Surprise answered.
Ahh! You're talking! But how! Or am I dreaming!
Alex 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?
Alex persisted.
Yes, yes! Absolutely anything!
I want... hmm, I want... I want a tablet, I've dreamt of one for ages!
The boy shouted happily.
So be it!
The cat answered calmly.
A small box immediately appeared on the table, and Alex rushed to open it.
Hurray! It's my tablet!
Alex said, quickly unwrapping the toy and already tapping the screen.
I'm glad you liked it!
The cat said, but Alex wasn't listening anymore.
He was so absorbed with the tablet that he didn't think about Surprise all evening. Days went by, and Alex 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 tail. Alex had no time for him now. His dream had come true, he was showing off the tablet outside, and he didn't even take Surprise with him.
Surprise thought for a long time and decided not to bother Alex. He slipped through Dad's legs when he came home. The room became quiet.
Hello! Where's Surprise?
Dad said.
Somewhere around!
Alex 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 now.
The boy muttered.
In the evening, when it was time for bed, Alex waited for Surprise to jump onto the bed any moment. But it didn't happen.
Where is he? Surprise! Surprise!
Alex began searching for the cat.
But no one answered. Alex realised that Surprise had left, and he felt sad. All night he remembered how they had played together, how he had run around the room with him, how he purred affectionately, and how Alex fell 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, Alex jumped out of bed. He so hoped to find Surprise and quickly ran outside.
Surprise! Surprise!
The boy shouted. But in response, he heard only the wind.
And then, not far from Alex, came:
I'm here!
The boy looked up and saw his black favourite on a tree branch.
Surprise! Come to me! I've missed you so much!
Alex rejoiced.
What? But what about your tablet? You're so absorbed with it that you don't need me now.
The cat said calmly.
No! Not at all! I need you, I really need you! If you want, I'll smash the tablet, just come back!
Alex pleaded.
What! Why smash such a useful thing? There's so much that's useful in a tablet besides games. I'll show you.
The cat said, climbing down and settling into the boy's arms.
Surprise helped Alex find many interesting activities on the tablet, such as drawing and reading books. And together with Surprise, Alex found it much more fun and enjoyable to learn something new.
