Saphira notices that Sirin is mostly alone with her guardian, Nelson, when she isn’t in a class or activity, and she suggests they invite little Nero to a tea party for the two of them.
Saphira books a table in one of the little restaurants and persuades Nero’s mother, who is the governess to Saphira’s dancing troupe of kittens, to let him join them. Indeed, Saphira was only the kittens’ dance teacher and had not expected to have to look after them. She had never intended to take them on a cruise. That was Bruno’s fault.
And now they are all trapped on a boat going to the United States of America instead of heading back on a magic carpet to the kittens’ parents in Adelaide. That is the way it has panned out, and Saphira must make the best of things. She hopes that when Sasha contacted Otto, he was able to inform their parents of the change in plans.
Nero isn’t used to being treated as a guest. He has helped crew members now and again. He is so willing to have a go at anything that he is a great favourite with the crew. So, this is a big treat for him.
Sirin stays in the first-class areas with Nelson. But she hasn’t made any little buddies of her own age.
The two youngsters get on well. They discover they both share a love of jigsaw puzzles and, as Nero says, ‘having adventures.’ Sirin is so closely monitored that she is thrilled when Nero describes some of the ships he has travelled on and the ports he has visited.
‘My Great-aunt Vera Clawsen was an actress,’ she says. ‘She was an adventurous cat, I believe.’
Nero’s ears prick up, and his mouth falls open. ‘Vera Clawsen!’ he says. ‘You haven’t seen Violet Claws and the Loch Ness Monster? That’s one of my favourites of her films. Oh! And Cat Oddysey, the TV series. It’s a space adventure.’
‘I haven’t seen any of her films,’ says Sirin. ‘Before I came to my lovely pawrents, where I live now, I was in a home for abandoned cats. It took my relatives a long time to locate me. But now I am going to see one of my cousins in Hollywood.’
‘Hollywood!’ says Nero. ‘I want to go to Hollywood. But I suppose I won’t have the chance.’ His tail droops.
‘Perhaps we can look at some of Vera Clawsen’s films together,’ says Mitzi. ‘I’m sure your mother would be happy for you to join us; Nero and Sirin can ask Nelson for permission.’
So we ended the tea party happily.
The images and videos are generated by AI from the author’s text prompts.
