She Wanted a Kitten

She wanted a kitten. She had lost her home. And all her belongings. She begged for them every time a relative came. No one told her everything had been auctioned. They had to pay for this retirement home. For this jail cell. For this cage. She wanted a kitten. She begged for one every time she saw a person she knew. One of her great-grandchildren sneaked one in on a Sunday. She was delighted; played with it with childlike enthusiasm. They were so grateful for the sneak. Because the next day she was gone. One good day.