A New Family Member

Lyn, Linda, and Star went into the living room. It was cool and quiet inside, with soft afternoon light falling through the curtains. Lyn held the tiny kitten gently in her arms, close to her chest. Pinkysan's little heart was beating fast. She was in a new place with new smells and new sounds.

Suddenly, Star started to bark.

Woof! Woof! Woof!

Star was very surprised. She is a big, beautiful Akita Inu, and she is the boss of the house. Every room, every corner, every cushion — they all belonged to Star. She did not know this small, fuzzy visitor, and she did not like surprises. Pinkysan was scared. She buried her tiny face deep into Lyn's soft sweater and trembled.

"Wait, Star! Stop!" Lyn said in a calm, steady voice.

Lyn sat down on the floor slowly, without any sudden movements. She wanted to be at the same level as Star. She looked into Star's deep brown eyes and took a slow, gentle breath.

"Star, listen to me," Lyn whispered softly. "This is Pinkysan. She is very small and very young. She has no mother, no father, and no home. She was all alone in the cold world."

Star stopped barking. She tilted her big, fluffy head to the left. Then she tilted it to the right. Her ears were up and alert. She was listening carefully to every word Lyn said.

Lyn smiled and continued. "Pinkysan is our new family member now. She is going to live here with us, with you and me and Linda. She is your little sister, Star. She needs us. Please be kind to her."

Star was quiet for a long moment. She looked at Lyn. She looked at the tiny bundle of fur in Lyn's arms. Then, very slowly and carefully, she walked forward.

Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.

Star smelled the kitten's soft fur from her nose to her tiny tail. Pinkysan held very still. Then, Star made her decision. She gave the kitten one big, warm, wet lick right on top of her small pink head.

Pinkysan blinked her eyes open. She looked up at the big fluffy dog above her. She let out the softest, tiniest mew.

"Good girl, Star!" Lyn cried, her eyes shining with happy tears.

Linda laughed and clapped her hands. Now, everyone was happy. A new family had begun.