In one simple but very good family lived a boy named Alex. He eagerly awaited his birthday because he thought his parents would give him what he had dreamed 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!
Mom whispered cheerfully.
Yes, yes!
The boy said with a smile.
Happy birthday, our sunshine!
The parents said in unison.
Thank you, my dear ones!
Alex responded.
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 small kitten. He was almost entirely black, with only a few white spots decorating his fur.
What is this?
Alex asked, puzzled and a bit angrily.
It's a kitten! Let's give him a name!
Mom said caringly.
Unexpected! Unwanted! Not what I wanted! I asked for a tablet! And what did you give me, some cat, why do I need him!
The boy shouted angrily.
What! You'll play with him, take care of him, it's so interesting!
The parents were surprised by Alex's behavior.
No, I won't! I don't need him!
Alex snapped.
Meow! Mrrr!
Was heard nearby.
What are you purring about!
Alex grumbled.
How can I go outside now? I already told everyone I'd get a tablet, and here you are!
The boy said plaintively.
I'll call you Surprise, but for me you're an unpleasant surprise.
The parents were concerned that Alex reacted so angrily to the gift. It seemed to them the best thing a boy his age needed, that he would be interested in caring for a kitten. Alas! The boy's sad mood spoke for itself.
Alex sat on the bed while Surprise began playing with a thread sticking out of the boy's sock.
What are you doing?
The boy asked, puzzled.
Don't bother me!
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 resembled a greeting.
Well, okay! Come here, I'll pet you! You're not so bad, look how handsome you are, all black.
Alex said.
Oh no, there are white spots too. You're my friend now, Surprise!
The boy whispered, examining him.
A month passed, and Alex didn't even notice that he had fallen in love with his kitten. He was so captivated by his friend Surprise that he forgot he had once been saddened by his birthday gift.
All day they were together. 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 plate, giving him the tastiest morsels. The boy spared nothing for his friend. And they even slept together - Surprise would curl up in a ball next to Alex and fall sweetly asleep.
One evening, when Alex was about to go to bed, he saw Surprise hiding something. It turned out to be a 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 surprise.
I'm not an ordinary cat, I'm a magic cat! You've been so caring toward 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 dreamed of it for so long!
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.
Hooray! It's my tablet!
Alex said, quickly unwrapping the toy and already tapping on the screen.
I'm glad you liked it!
The Cat said, but Alex wasn't listening anymore.
He was so absorbed in 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, while his kind kitten sat alone in the armchair all this 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.
Hi! Where's Surprise?
Dad said.
Somewhere around here!
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 at a difficult level in the game right now.
The boy muttered.
In the evening, when it was time to sleep, Alex expected 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 realized that Surprise had left, and he felt sad. All night he remembered how they played together, how he ran around the room with him, how he purred affectionately, and Alex fell asleep to Surprise's melodious purring.
How guilty I am! I don't need this tablet! Soulless toy!
The boy said resentfully and threw the tablet onto the nightstand.
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, only the wind reached him.
And then nearby Alex heard:
I'm here!
The boy looked up and saw his black beloved on a tree branch.
Surprise! Come to me! I missed you so much!
Alex rejoiced.
How? What about your tablet? You're so absorbed in it that you don't need me anymore.
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 break such a useful thing? There's so much useful stuff in the tablet besides games, I'll show you.
The Cat said, climbing down and sitting in the boy's arms.
Surprise helped Alex find many interesting activities on the tablet, such as drawing and reading books. And together with Surprise, it was much more fun and enjoyable for Alex to learn something new.
