Cat on the roof

In my grandmother's village outside Madurai, a stray cat claimed our terracotta roof as kingdom. Daily, children gathered below, pointing at her graceful leaps. My grandmother, a Tamil scholar, would trace ancient Tamil Brahmi script on palm leaves while watching the cat's confident movements. "See how she knows exactly where to land?" she'd say. One monsoon, the cat sheltered our family. We rewarded her with milk and fish. Neighbors noticed our kindness, bringing offerings too. That cat became our village's spirit, reminding us that care transcends species. Through her, we learned our Tamil heritage meant protecting all creatures.