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The following story is based on “The Cat that Walked by Himself” from “Just so Stories” by Rudyard Kipling.

Once upon a time, when the world was new, all animals roamed wild, including a very special cat. This cat loved to wander alone, making the Wet Wild Woods his home, different from all others who had their families and friends.

One day, the cat overheard Dog, Horse, and Cow boasting about who was the wildest. “I’m wild,” barked Dog. “I’m wilder,” neighed Horse. “I’m as wild as can be,” mooed Cow. But Cat, with a sleek smile, declared, “None of you can match my wildness. I walk by myself, and all places are alike to me.”

Not far away, Man and Woman had just started living a tame life in a cozy cave. Man, once wild, now enjoyed the comforts of home, thanks to Woman’s cleverness in making a warm fire.

One evening, Woman created the world’s first singing magic from a bone, attracting the curiosity of all animals. Dog, tempted by the beautiful sounds and delicious smells, decided to leave his wildness for some tasty bones. “If I help during the day and guard at night, I get bones? Deal!” he woofed, shaking hands with Woman.

Cat, watching from afar, thought, “How silly Dog is to trade his freedom for a bone!”

The next night, Woman made another magical thing, and Horse, unable to resist, also made a deal for some lush grass. “Neigh, I’ll be your loyal servant for grass three times a day,” Horse agreed happily.

As more animals joined Man and Woman, Cat grew curious. “What about me?” he pondered, deciding to visit the cave.

Upon seeing Cat, Woman was skeptical. “A cat? What use do we have for you here?” she questioned.

Cat, ever so charming, replied, “But I can be of use. I can walk by myself, and all places are alike to me.”

Woman, intrigued yet cautious, made a deal. “If you can do something useful, you’re welcome here. But remember, you’re the cat that walks by himself.”

That night, as Cat sneaked into the cave, he found Baby crying. With gentle paws, he tickled and lulled Baby into laughter and sleep, winning Woman’s praise and a spot by the warm fire.

Man, returning to see Cat comfortably sitting by the fire, was puzzled. “What’s he doing here?” he asked.

“He calmed the baby and caught a mouse. He’s earned his place,” Woman explained.

But Man and Dog were not fully convinced. “You may stay, Cat, but only if you catch mice and are kind to Baby. If not, we have our ways to deal with you,” they warned.

Cat, with a flick of his tail, agreed on his terms. “I’ll be kind and catch mice, but on my terms. I’m still the cat that walks by himself.”

And so, Cat found a place in the cave, living on his terms, walking by himself, yet part of something bigger. He kept the mice away, was gentle with Baby, but always remained the cat that walked by himself, free and proud.