Lonely pensioner, Wendy, has spent most of her life providing shelter cats with a forever home. When her newest pet, Lucky, starts bringing home dollar bills, Wendy quickly realizes something suspicious is happening in her neighborhood.
“There, there.” Wendy reached into the pet carrier and stroked the shorthair cat she’d just brought home from the shelter. “This is your new home, Lucky, where you’ll always be safe.”
Lucky peeped out at Wendy’s other four cats, who were sniffing curiously in the carrier’s direction.
“That’s just your new family.” Wendy scratched behind the cat’s ears. “Let’s see if you’ll be brave enough to get to know them over dinner.”
Wendy went to the kitchen. Four of the cats came running when she opened the tin of cat food. She set down their bowls and was about to take Lucky his food to eat in the carrier when he appeared at the door.
“Mah-ow,” Lucky mewed at her.
“What a brave kitty.” Wendy stroked the newcomer and gave him his food. “I knew you’d fit right in.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Wendy fixed herself a grilled cheese for dinner. While she ate, she lovingly watched the cats get to know each other. Although she couldn’t really afford another pet, Wendy hadn’t the heart to say no when her friend at the shelter called earlier that day.
“Nobody wants this cat,” Hannah had said. “They can’t see past his scars and age to the sweet personality beneath. If you don’t take him, Wendy, I don’t know what will become of him.”
“Feeding five cats is not that much different from feeding four,” Wendy reasoned.
“The most important thing is that Lucky has a good home to spend the rest of his life in.”
However, Wendy soon began noticing the difference it made to her budget. The cat food and litter ran out just a little bit faster, and her pension was already stretched a bit thin.
Wendy sat down one day to figure out how to continue without digging into her meager savings. While she crunched numbers, a painful meowing caught her attention. She hurried into the sitting room and immediately realized something was very wrong with Lucky.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“But will he be okay, Dr. Perry?” Wendy pressed her hand against the transparent box. Inside, Lucky lay curled in a ball with a drip attached to his leg. His eyes were dull with pain.
“We’re doing our best for him, Wendy, but it depends on what happens next. All we can do is pray that he responds to the medication.”
Wendy stared at Lucky. She wasn’t even confident she’d be able to pay for his treatments, but she couldn’t let him suffer either. She wished she could reach in and stroke him so Lucky would know he wasn’t alone.
“What do you want with my cat and me? If you’re trying to poison us then you won’t succeed. I’ve already called the police!”
“I can see he’s another of your rescues, Wendy, so I’m only going to bill you for any medication we need to give him.”
Wendy shook her head. “As I’ve told you before, Dr. Perry, I appreciate your kindness, but Lucky is my pet and my responsibility.”
The young vet frowned at Wendy. “I’m still going to keep offering, Wendy. You’ve done these cats a great kindness by taking them in, and I wish you’d let me help you ease the burden where I can.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Lucky returned home in good health a few days later, but something strange started happening. The Saturday after she brought Lucky home, Wendy discovered a few dollar bills lying on her doormat.
She assumed they’d fallen from her purse when she returned home earlier, but she found more money the next day. This time, it was lying on her bedroom floor.
“What is happening?” Wendy muttered as she counted the money. She checked her purse, but no money was missing.
On Monday, Wendy uncovered a new clue. She was knitting a cap for her friend, Hannah, when Lucky entered through the cat door with something in his mouth.
“You better not be bringing mice into my house, Lucky!”
Wendy rose to see what the cat had brought in. She gasped when he dropped a twenty-dollar bill.
“Where are you getting these?” Wendy asked. Lucky’s only response was to rub against her legs.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Wendy called Hannah to ask if she knew whether Lucky had ever done anything like this before. Hannah was just as stunned by the cat’s behavior.
“Maybe he’s decided to pay rent,” Hannah joked. “I wouldn’t worry too much if I were you, Wendy. You know what they say: don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
However, Wendy couldn’t bear the thought of Lucky stealing from one of her neighbors, for that was the only way she could imagine he was getting the money. She decided to watch the cat and see what he was getting up to.
Wendy kept a close eye on lucky the next day. He played a little with Snowy, one of her other cats, then went to sleep beneath a bush in Wendy’s yard. He slept a lot in many different spots.
Wendy watched Lucky tap lazily at a fallen leaf in the front yard. She was beginning to think this endeavor was silly when a strange car pulled up near the front gate. A person climbed out and crouched near the picket fence.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Immediately, Wendy set her knitting aside and reached for her glasses, but they weren’t there! Rather than miss the meeting between lucky and his partner in crime, Wendy leaned closer to the window and narrowed her eyes.
Lucky ran toward the person, who picked the cat up and cradled him on their lap. Wendy couldn’t tell if they were young or old, male or female. The person was too far away, and a hood hid their face.
After playing with Lucky for a few minutes, the mystery person set the cat down and gave him something. The person then ran back to their car. Lucky entered the yard and bounded toward the house as they sped away.
Wendy grabbed the cat the moment he crawled through the cat flap. He was carrying a twenty-dollar bill!
“You aren’t supposed to play with strangers.”
Wendy lifted the bill to the light to examine it. “Your friend could well be up to no good!”
Lucky rubbed against her legs and looked up at Wendy. “Mah-ow.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
The more Wendy thought about the situation, the less sense it made. She began to worry that the mystery person had bad intentions. They might even be planning to poison Lucky!
Wendy was waiting when the car stopped outside her house the next day. As soon as they seemed distracted by Lucky, Wendy burst through the front door wielding her cane.
“What do you want with my cat and me? If you’re trying to poison us then you won’t succeed. I’ve already called the police!”
“Don’t be so harsh on my accomplice. I’m sure he also would want to repay you for the kindness you’ve shown him.”
The mystery person scrambled to their feet, but Lucky, startled by the sudden outburst, hooked his claws into the person and ran up their shoulder. As Lucky leaped to the grass, he knocked aside the person’s hood.
Wendy gasped when she saw the face beneath the hood. She pointed at the person with her cane.
“Why on earth are you giving Lucky money?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“I’m sorry, Wendy.” Dr. Perry raised his hands and started backing away to his car.
“Stop right there. You aren’t going anywhere until I get an explanation, Dr. Perry.”
“I just wanted to help. You always refuse to let me waive a portion of your vet bills, so I had to try another way. Lucky gave me the idea, actually. When we were treating him, I tried to get him to play by sticking a piece of paper through a ventilation hole in his cage.”
Dr. Perry smiled and shook his head. “He grabbed the paper in his teeth and carried it to the other side of the cage. I’ve never seen a cat do that, and I realized I could use him to make donations to you.”
“Donations?” Wendy straightened up. “I am not a charity case!”
“No, you’re a good person who’s too proud to accept a helping hand, Wendy. But I had to find a way to help you because you’re one of the few people I’ve met who cares as deeply for animals as I do.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“You see, I was just like you when I was a child,” Dr. Perry continued. “I used all my pocket money to buy food for the stray cats and dogs in my neighborhood, and they eventually became my pets. I also rescued any injured birds I found, but that all stopped when my mom remarried.”
“My step-father took all my animal friends and dumped them in the forest.” Dr. Perry hung his head. “I tried to find them, but I never did. I never forgave him or my mom, either. When I left home to become a vet, I cut all ties with them.”
“That’s terrible.” Wendy wiped at a tear spilling down her cheek. “I understand why you want to help me, Dr. Perry, and I do need the help, but I’ve lived alone all my life. I don’t know how to accept your kindness. I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry I frightened you, Wendy.” Dr. Perry took Wendy’s hand. “Please, can we sit down and discuss a way I can help you care for your cats that won’t upset you?”
Wendy nodded. “Come inside. I have some pop if you don’t want coffee.”
Dr. Perry followed Wendy inside. Lucky was waiting at the door and greeted them with his usual ‘mah-ow’ and leg rub.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
After some discussion, Wendy agreed to let Dr. Perry bring food for the cats every month. He would also give each of her furry friends a check-up when he visited. That way, Wendy could continue enjoying her cats’ company without spending her entire pension on their care.
Dr. Perry also created a fundraiser to help with unexpected expenses, like Lucky’s sudden illness. Wendy wept with gratitude when Dr. Perry told her how successful the fundraiser was.
“Do you hear that, Lucky?” Wendy lifted the cat into her arms and scratched his chin.
“You’re set for life now. No need for any more dubious escapades on your part.”
Dr. Perry chuckled. “Don’t be so harsh on my accomplice. I’m sure he also would want to repay you for the kindness you’ve shown him.”
“I only wish there was more I could do for the cats in this city.” Wendy smiled as she listened to Lucky purring. “But I’m just one old lady, and there are only so many cats I can care for.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Two years later, Dr. Perry still remembered Wendy’s words on that day. He stood before the building he’d recently bought and converted into a shelter. Lucky was perched on his shoulder and seemed unperturbed by the small crowd gathered nearby.
“Thank you all for coming today,” Dr. Perry said. “While I’m happy to see so many familiar faces, it also saddens me that a woman I came to know as a close friend won’t be able to join us today.”
“Wendy spent most of her adult life providing a safe home to cats from shelters all over this city. To honor her memory, I hereby declare the Wendy cat shelter open for business.” Dr. Perry signaled to a man standing nearby.
The man lifted a cloth to reveal a portrait of Wendy with all five of her cats. Lucky was sitting on her lap, mouth open, as he begged for a treat. Dr. Perry had taken the photo himself, and it made him smile as he remembered that day.
“Wendy always wished she could do more to help the cats in our city. I’m counting on all of you to help me fulfil her dream by supporting this shelter.”
What can we learn from this story?
- Don’t be too proud to accept help. Dr. Perry offered to help Wendy with the kindness of his heart. Instead of being so proud of her independence, Wendy should’ve taken his kind offer.
- Many beautiful dogs and cats are waiting in shelters for loving homes. Next time you’re thinking of getting a pet, pay a visit to your local shelter. Maybe your next furry friend is waiting for you there.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a stray dog who guards a boy lost in the woods.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life
My Husband Left Me Looking After Our Kids for His Female Best Friend’s Wedding — I Made Him Regret It
When my husband left me sitting at home with the kids to attend his best female friend’s wedding alone, I felt a familiar pang of suspicion. But I took action, and what I discovered that night shattered our lives.
Daniel had never been good at hiding things. You’d think after ten years of marriage, I’d be used to his poor attempts at deception, but that morning, he caught me off guard. I had just come back from a playdate with the kids when I found the note on the kitchen counter.
I took the gift and went to Jane’s wedding. Be back late.
— Daniel
I stared at the note, feeling the familiar burn of betrayal rise in my chest. The gift I had spent hours picking out, the one we had both agreed was from us, not him alone. And Jane — our friend. Or so I thought.
“Mom, where’s Dad?” Timmy asked, tugging on my sleeve.
Timmy asks Elly where his dad is | Source: Pexels
“He went out, sweetie. We’re going to have a babysitter today.” I forced a smile, already dialing the number of the babysitter we occasionally used.
My best friend, Sarah, had been suspicious of Daniel’s recent behavior. She was the one who first suggested he might be up to no good. I had dismissed her concerns, thinking it was just his usual lack of communication. But this? This was something else.
Elly calling a babysitter while trying to mask her growing suspicions | Source: Pexels
Balancing my dreams of returning to work and my responsibilities at home had been a struggle for years. As a stay-at-home mom, I often felt trapped while Daniel worked full-time, leaving early and coming home late.
My days were filled with diapers, playdates, and endless chores. I loved my kids, but sometimes I wondered what happened to the ambitious woman I used to be.
When we received the invitation to Jane’s wedding, I saw a glimmer of excitement. Jane was Daniel’s best friend, but also a friend of mine, so it felt like a chance to reconnect with our old social circle.
Daniel insists they are not going to Jane’s wedding | Source: Pexels
I spent hours choosing the perfect gift, picturing us attending together. But Daniel shot down my hopes, insisting we stay home because we didn’t have anyone to watch the kids.
“Can’t we find a sitter, just for one night?” I had pleaded.
“No, Elly. It’s too much hassle. We’ll send the gift and our regrets,” he said, brushing off my concerns.
As the wedding approached, he reiterated his stance, and my suspicions began to grow. Why was he so adamant about not going? What was he hiding?
Elly and Daniel at loggerheads about attending the wedding | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t just sit and stew in my anger. I needed to see it for myself. I got the kids settled with the babysitter and grabbed my keys.
“Where are you going?” Sarah’s voice crackled through the phone. I had called her for a much-needed boost of courage.
“To the wedding. I need to see what’s really going on.”
At the reception venue — a wine estate — I kept a low profile. I saw Daniel almost immediately, laughing and chatting like he didn’t have a care in the world. And then there was Jane, her smile wide and dazzling, but her eyes — they held secrets.
Elly secretly attends the wedding reception, watching Daniel | Source: Pexels
I followed them discreetly. They slipped into one of the wine cellars, and I inched closer, peeking through the slightly ajar door. They were arguing, their voices hushed but intense.
“You said it was over with Jake!” Daniel hissed. “And now you’re marrying him!”
Jane shook her head. “I never promised you anything. But you’re here now, aren’t you, how about one last fling?”
I couldn’t breathe. I felt like I was going to be sick, but I couldn’t look away. Then, it happened — they kissed. A long, passionate kiss that confirmed my worst fears.
Elly catches Daniel and Jane in a passionate kiss | Source: Midjourney
I took out my phone, my hands shaking, and recorded a few seconds. Enough to capture the betrayal. Enough to use as evidence. I left as quietly as I had come, tears streaming down my face.
Back home, I sat in my car for a long time, trying to process what I had seen. I needed a plan. I couldn’t just confront him and let it turn into another round of empty apologies and broken promises. This was bigger. This was the end.
Elly sitting in her car, grappling with the shocking betrayal she just witnessed | Source: Midjourney
I called Sarah. “You were right. I saw them. I recorded it.”
“Oh, Elly, I’m so sorry. What are you going to do?”
“I’m calling a lawyer.”
***
The next day, I sat in the lawyer’s office, feeling both numb and fiercely determined.
“Infidelity is grounds for divorce,” the lawyer, Melanie, said, her voice calm and professional. “But we need to build a strong case. Do you have any other evidence?”
“I’ll get more,” I promised. “Whatever it takes.”
Elly meets with a lawyer, ready to take the first step toward reclaiming her life | Source: Pexels
I spent the next few days gathering everything I could — texts, emails, anything that hinted at their affair. Meanwhile, Daniel acted like everything was fine, like he hadn’t torn our life apart.
One evening, I couldn’t hold back any longer. “How was the wedding?” I said, launching the words at Daniel like a missile.
He looked up from his phone, surprised. “It was good. Jane looked beautiful.”
“I bet she did.” My voice was cold.
“Is something wrong?” He tilted his head, feigning concern.
“Don’t play dumb, Daniel. I know about you and Jane.”
Daniel’s face when Elly reveals that she knows about his affair | Source: Midjourney
His face paled, but he quickly recovered. “What are you talking about?”
“I saw you. At the wedding, in the wine cellar, with Jane. I recorded you. Don’t lie to me.”
His mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. For once, he was speechless.
“I’m done, Daniel. I’ve contacted a lawyer. You’ll be hearing from them soon.”
He tried to protest, to explain, but I had already turned away. I wasn’t going to listen to his excuses anymore. I had kids to protect, a life to rebuild. And I wasn’t going to let him stop me.
Jane finalizes the divorce papers with her lawyer | Source: Pexels
The fight was just beginning, but for the first time in years, I felt a surge of strength and clarity. This was my turning point. I was done being the passive, stay-at-home mom who let life happen to her. I was ready to take control.
That night, I waited for Daniel to come home. I had the video cued up on my laptop, the lawyer’s contact number scribbled on a notepad next to me, and the divorce papers ready.
He walked in, his face flushed with what I could only assume was guilt masked as nonchalance.
Elly cues up the offending video for Daniel to see | Source: Pexels
“Elly, we need to talk,” he began, but I cut him off.
“No, you need to listen,” I said, standing up and hitting play on the video. The sound of his voice, pleading with Jane, filled the room. His eyes widened, and he looked at me, panic setting in.
“I can explain —”
“Don’t bother,” I interrupted. “You had your chance. These are the divorce papers. I’m asking for full custody of the kids, the house, and child support. I’ve already spoken to a lawyer.”
Elly tells Daniel she is done and hands him the divorce papers | Source: Midjourney
He slumped into a chair, defeated. “Elly, please. Let’s talk about this.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Daniel. You made your choice. Now you’ll deal with the consequences.”
He spent the night packing his bags. The kids were asleep, and I prayed they wouldn’t wake up to the sound of their father leaving. By the time he was ready to go, it was past midnight. He stood at the door, his eyes pleading one last time, but I didn’t waver.
“Goodbye, Daniel.”
Elly makes her last stand and says goodbye to Daniel | Source: Midjourney
The next few months were a whirlwind of legal battles and emotional turmoil. I filed for divorce and presented my evidence. The court hearings were grueling, but the video was undeniable. Daniel didn’t even try to fight it.
The judge granted me full custody and a favorable settlement. Daniel’s infidelity cost him not just his marriage but also his role in the home we had built together.
I returned to work, something I had put off for years. Balancing a career and raising two kids alone was tough, but I found a strength within me I didn’t know existed. I was driven by the need to create a stable and loving environment for my children.
Elly returning to work, finding strength and creating a new life for her kids | Source: Pexels
The kids adjusted to our new life quicker than I expected. They were resilient, just like their mom. And as I climbed the career ladder, I realized that I wasn’t just surviving — I was thriving.
One day, I ran into Jane at the grocery store. She looked away, her face flushed with shame. I didn’t need to say anything. My presence, my success, and my happiness spoke louder than any words could.
Elly sharing her triumph with her friend Sarah over coffee | Source: Pexels
“Elly, you look great,” Sarah said over coffee. She had been my rock through everything, always ready with a shoulder to cry on or a glass of wine when I needed it.
“Thanks, Sarah. I finally feel like I’m back on my feet.”
“You’ve done more than that. You’ve rebuilt your life from the ground up.”
She was right. I had reclaimed my life from the ruins of my marriage. My revenge wasn’t about making Daniel suffer — it was about proving to myself that I could stand on my own.
And I had. I provided for my kids, achieved my career goals, and found a new kind of happiness that wasn’t tied to anyone else.
I stood tall, knowing that no matter what the future held, I was ready. I had faced the worst and come out stronger. I was a symbol of resilience and empowerment, and I would continue to fight for the life and happiness we deserved.
Elly standing tall, knowing she has reclaimed her life and future | Source: Midjourney
What would you have done? If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you about a husband who is caught cheating on his wife and acts as if nothing is wrong.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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