Rescuer

Rescuer

Sohail loved building things in the courtyard, especially when the afternoon wind came skipping over the rooftops. One day, he made a bright paper kite shaped like a silver fish, and Rawan the cat watched with a twitching tail.

“Ready?” Sohail whispered, holding the string. The wind tugged, the kite jumped, and Rawan leaped after its dancing shadow as if it were a tiny mouse.

Up went the kite, higher and higher, until the string slipped from Sohail’s fingers. The silver fish sailed over the courtyard wall and disappeared behind a date palm.

Sohail’s smile drooped, but Rawan gave a brave little meow. She squeezed through a gap in the gate, sniffed the dusty ground, and led Sohail to the palm tree. The kite was caught on a low branch, fluttering like it was laughing. Sohail stood on a stone step, gently freed it, and hugged Rawan for being such a clever helper. This time, Sohail tied the string around a wooden spool. The kite soared again, Rawan chased the shadow again, and the courtyard filled with giggles, purrs, and golden light.