Older Lady Finds Money on Floor Every Day, Sees Her Cat Bring It and Follows Him – Story of the Day

Lonely pensioner, Wendy, has spent most of her life providing shelter cats with a forever home. When her newest pet, Lucky, starts bringing home dollar bills, Wendy quickly realizes something suspicious is happening in her neighborhood.

“There, there.” Wendy reached into the pet carrier and stroked the shorthair cat she’d just brought home from the shelter. “This is your new home, Lucky, where you’ll always be safe.”

Lucky peeped out at Wendy’s other four cats, who were sniffing curiously in the carrier’s direction.

“That’s just your new family.” Wendy scratched behind the cat’s ears. “Let’s see if you’ll be brave enough to get to know them over dinner.”

Wendy went to the kitchen. Four of the cats came running when she opened the tin of cat food. She set down their bowls and was about to take Lucky his food to eat in the carrier when he appeared at the door.

“Mah-ow,” Lucky mewed at her.

“What a brave kitty.” Wendy stroked the newcomer and gave him his food. “I knew you’d fit right in.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Wendy fixed herself a grilled cheese for dinner. While she ate, she lovingly watched the cats get to know each other. Although she couldn’t really afford another pet, Wendy hadn’t the heart to say no when her friend at the shelter called earlier that day.

“Nobody wants this cat,” Hannah had said. “They can’t see past his scars and age to the sweet personality beneath. If you don’t take him, Wendy, I don’t know what will become of him.”

“Feeding five cats is not that much different from feeding four,” Wendy reasoned.

“The most important thing is that Lucky has a good home to spend the rest of his life in.”

However, Wendy soon began noticing the difference it made to her budget. The cat food and litter ran out just a little bit faster, and her pension was already stretched a bit thin.

Wendy sat down one day to figure out how to continue without digging into her meager savings. While she crunched numbers, a painful meowing caught her attention. She hurried into the sitting room and immediately realized something was very wrong with Lucky.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“But will he be okay, Dr. Perry?” Wendy pressed her hand against the transparent box. Inside, Lucky lay curled in a ball with a drip attached to his leg. His eyes were dull with pain.

“We’re doing our best for him, Wendy, but it depends on what happens next. All we can do is pray that he responds to the medication.”

Wendy stared at Lucky. She wasn’t even confident she’d be able to pay for his treatments, but she couldn’t let him suffer either. She wished she could reach in and stroke him so Lucky would know he wasn’t alone.

“What do you want with my cat and me? If you’re trying to poison us then you won’t succeed. I’ve already called the police!”

“I can see he’s another of your rescues, Wendy, so I’m only going to bill you for any medication we need to give him.”

Wendy shook her head. “As I’ve told you before, Dr. Perry, I appreciate your kindness, but Lucky is my pet and my responsibility.”

The young vet frowned at Wendy. “I’m still going to keep offering, Wendy. You’ve done these cats a great kindness by taking them in, and I wish you’d let me help you ease the burden where I can.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Lucky returned home in good health a few days later, but something strange started happening. The Saturday after she brought Lucky home, Wendy discovered a few dollar bills lying on her doormat.

She assumed they’d fallen from her purse when she returned home earlier, but she found more money the next day. This time, it was lying on her bedroom floor.

“What is happening?” Wendy muttered as she counted the money. She checked her purse, but no money was missing.

On Monday, Wendy uncovered a new clue. She was knitting a cap for her friend, Hannah, when Lucky entered through the cat door with something in his mouth.

“You better not be bringing mice into my house, Lucky!”

Wendy rose to see what the cat had brought in. She gasped when he dropped a twenty-dollar bill.

“Where are you getting these?” Wendy asked. Lucky’s only response was to rub against her legs.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Wendy called Hannah to ask if she knew whether Lucky had ever done anything like this before. Hannah was just as stunned by the cat’s behavior.

“Maybe he’s decided to pay rent,” Hannah joked. “I wouldn’t worry too much if I were you, Wendy. You know what they say: don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

However, Wendy couldn’t bear the thought of Lucky stealing from one of her neighbors, for that was the only way she could imagine he was getting the money. She decided to watch the cat and see what he was getting up to.

Wendy kept a close eye on lucky the next day. He played a little with Snowy, one of her other cats, then went to sleep beneath a bush in Wendy’s yard. He slept a lot in many different spots.

Wendy watched Lucky tap lazily at a fallen leaf in the front yard. She was beginning to think this endeavor was silly when a strange car pulled up near the front gate. A person climbed out and crouched near the picket fence.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Immediately, Wendy set her knitting aside and reached for her glasses, but they weren’t there! Rather than miss the meeting between lucky and his partner in crime, Wendy leaned closer to the window and narrowed her eyes.

Lucky ran toward the person, who picked the cat up and cradled him on their lap. Wendy couldn’t tell if they were young or old, male or female. The person was too far away, and a hood hid their face.

After playing with Lucky for a few minutes, the mystery person set the cat down and gave him something. The person then ran back to their car. Lucky entered the yard and bounded toward the house as they sped away.

Wendy grabbed the cat the moment he crawled through the cat flap. He was carrying a twenty-dollar bill!

“You aren’t supposed to play with strangers.”

Wendy lifted the bill to the light to examine it. “Your friend could well be up to no good!”

Lucky rubbed against her legs and looked up at Wendy. “Mah-ow.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

The more Wendy thought about the situation, the less sense it made. She began to worry that the mystery person had bad intentions. They might even be planning to poison Lucky!

Wendy was waiting when the car stopped outside her house the next day. As soon as they seemed distracted by Lucky, Wendy burst through the front door wielding her cane.

“What do you want with my cat and me? If you’re trying to poison us then you won’t succeed. I’ve already called the police!”

“Don’t be so harsh on my accomplice. I’m sure he also would want to repay you for the kindness you’ve shown him.”

The mystery person scrambled to their feet, but Lucky, startled by the sudden outburst, hooked his claws into the person and ran up their shoulder. As Lucky leaped to the grass, he knocked aside the person’s hood.

Wendy gasped when she saw the face beneath the hood. She pointed at the person with her cane.

“Why on earth are you giving Lucky money?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“I’m sorry, Wendy.” Dr. Perry raised his hands and started backing away to his car.

“Stop right there. You aren’t going anywhere until I get an explanation, Dr. Perry.”

“I just wanted to help. You always refuse to let me waive a portion of your vet bills, so I had to try another way. Lucky gave me the idea, actually. When we were treating him, I tried to get him to play by sticking a piece of paper through a ventilation hole in his cage.”

Dr. Perry smiled and shook his head. “He grabbed the paper in his teeth and carried it to the other side of the cage. I’ve never seen a cat do that, and I realized I could use him to make donations to you.”

“Donations?” Wendy straightened up. “I am not a charity case!”

“No, you’re a good person who’s too proud to accept a helping hand, Wendy. But I had to find a way to help you because you’re one of the few people I’ve met who cares as deeply for animals as I do.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“You see, I was just like you when I was a child,” Dr. Perry continued. “I used all my pocket money to buy food for the stray cats and dogs in my neighborhood, and they eventually became my pets. I also rescued any injured birds I found, but that all stopped when my mom remarried.”

“My step-father took all my animal friends and dumped them in the forest.” Dr. Perry hung his head. “I tried to find them, but I never did. I never forgave him or my mom, either. When I left home to become a vet, I cut all ties with them.”

“That’s terrible.” Wendy wiped at a tear spilling down her cheek. “I understand why you want to help me, Dr. Perry, and I do need the help, but I’ve lived alone all my life. I don’t know how to accept your kindness. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry I frightened you, Wendy.” Dr. Perry took Wendy’s hand. “Please, can we sit down and discuss a way I can help you care for your cats that won’t upset you?”

Wendy nodded. “Come inside. I have some pop if you don’t want coffee.”

Dr. Perry followed Wendy inside. Lucky was waiting at the door and greeted them with his usual ‘mah-ow’ and leg rub.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

After some discussion, Wendy agreed to let Dr. Perry bring food for the cats every month. He would also give each of her furry friends a check-up when he visited. That way, Wendy could continue enjoying her cats’ company without spending her entire pension on their care.

Dr. Perry also created a fundraiser to help with unexpected expenses, like Lucky’s sudden illness. Wendy wept with gratitude when Dr. Perry told her how successful the fundraiser was.

“Do you hear that, Lucky?” Wendy lifted the cat into her arms and scratched his chin.

“You’re set for life now. No need for any more dubious escapades on your part.”

Dr. Perry chuckled. “Don’t be so harsh on my accomplice. I’m sure he also would want to repay you for the kindness you’ve shown him.”

“I only wish there was more I could do for the cats in this city.” Wendy smiled as she listened to Lucky purring. “But I’m just one old lady, and there are only so many cats I can care for.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Two years later, Dr. Perry still remembered Wendy’s words on that day. He stood before the building he’d recently bought and converted into a shelter. Lucky was perched on his shoulder and seemed unperturbed by the small crowd gathered nearby.

“Thank you all for coming today,” Dr. Perry said. “While I’m happy to see so many familiar faces, it also saddens me that a woman I came to know as a close friend won’t be able to join us today.”

“Wendy spent most of her adult life providing a safe home to cats from shelters all over this city. To honor her memory, I hereby declare the Wendy cat shelter open for business.” Dr. Perry signaled to a man standing nearby.

The man lifted a cloth to reveal a portrait of Wendy with all five of her cats. Lucky was sitting on her lap, mouth open, as he begged for a treat. Dr. Perry had taken the photo himself, and it made him smile as he remembered that day.

“Wendy always wished she could do more to help the cats in our city. I’m counting on all of you to help me fulfil her dream by supporting this shelter.”

What can we learn from this story?

  • Don’t be too proud to accept help. Dr. Perry offered to help Wendy with the kindness of his heart. Instead of being so proud of her independence, Wendy should’ve taken his kind offer.
  • Many beautiful dogs and cats are waiting in shelters for loving homes. Next time you’re thinking of getting a pet, pay a visit to your local shelter. Maybe your next furry friend is waiting for you there.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a stray dog who guards a boy lost in the woods.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life

I Was Excited to Meet My Fiancé’s Parents, but Dinner Turned Into a Nightmare – Story of the Day

Meeting my fiancé’s parents should have been exciting, but nothing prepared me for the tension and judgment that followed. Between the quiet stares, sharp words, and unexpected secrets, the evening turned into a whirlwind I’ll never forget.

Mark and I had been together for about a year, and just recently, he proposed. It wasn’t the dreamy, candlelit proposal I had imagined as a little girl, but it was heartfelt, and I knew it came from a place of love.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Besides, Mark and I would’ve ended up engaged anyway—it was just a matter of timing.

He proposed shortly after we found out I was pregnant. The pregnancy wasn’t planned, but the moment we saw those two little lines, everything changed. We were thrilled, nervous, and ready to tackle parenthood together.

That evening, we had dinner plans with Mark’s parents, and I was a bundle of nerves.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Mark always described them as strict and traditional, which made me feel like I was stepping into an interview instead of a family meal.

Still, I told myself I could win them over. I’d always been good at making people like me—or so I hoped.

When Mark got home from work, I immediately began rifling through my closet.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I must have tried on ten outfits, spinning in front of the mirror, asking, “Is this okay?”

Each time, Mark smiled and said, “You look great.”

But “great” wasn’t enough. I needed to look flawless. First impressions were everything.

In the end, I laughed at myself, realizing I had chosen the very first outfit I’d tried on.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Do you think they’ll like me?” I asked, twisting my hair into place.

“Of course, they’ll like you. How could they not?” Mark said, watching me in the mirror.

“But what if they don’t?” I asked, turning to face him.

“Then it doesn’t matter,” he said, his voice calm. “The only thing that matters is that I like you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Like?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.

Mark smirked. “I like you more than anyone. I love you even more.”

I laughed softly. “Good save.”

Mark leaned in and kissed me, his grin warm and reassuring. “You’ll be perfect.”

Once we were ready, I carefully picked up the cherry pie I had baked for the dinner.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The warm, sweet scent was comforting, like a small reminder that I had put effort into tonight. Mark opened the car door for me, and we both climbed in.

During the drive to his parents’ house, I couldn’t help but notice Mark gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

His jaw was set, and his eyes focused straight ahead. “Are you okay?” I asked softly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Yeah,” he said, but his voice wavered. I reached over, taking his hand. I wasn’t sure if I was trying to calm him or myself.

When we pulled up in front of the house, Mark sighed and looked at me. “Just… don’t say anything unnecessary, okay?”

“I won’t,” I promised.

We walked to the door, hearts pounding, and Mark rang the bell. A moment later, his mother appeared.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Hi, we’ve been waiting for you,” she said, her tone sharp but polite. “I’m Erin, though I assume you already know that,” she added, her eyes fixed on me.

“Yes, I’m Danica,” I replied, forcing a smile as I held out the pie. “I baked a cherry pie. Mark told me it’s your favorite.”

Erin’s face changed instantly, her smile fading. “A pie, hmm? I thought the host was supposed to handle the food. Or do you think I can’t bake my own pie?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No, of course not!” I said quickly. “I just wanted to bring something special. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

She looked at the pie, then back at me. “It’s fine. Come in,” she said, stepping aside without another word.

Dinner was painfully quiet. The only sounds were the clinking of silverware and the occasional scrape of a chair.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Mark had warned me his family didn’t talk during meals, but I thought he was joking.

Sitting there in silence felt awkward and unnatural. I glanced at Mark, but he just gave me a small, reassuring smile.

When we finished eating, I stood up to help Erin clear the table. She didn’t say much, just nodded and muttered a quick “thank you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

We moved to the living room, where Mark’s father, George, sat stiffly, barely looking at me.

He seemed uninterested, like I was a guest he didn’t ask for. Conversation turned to the wedding, but I had little to share.

“What kind of dress are you thinking of?” Erin asked, her eyes scanning me like she was already judging my answer.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Before I could respond, George spoke up. “Erin, leave the girl alone. You’ve been bombarding her with questions all evening.” His tone was gruff, but it was the first time he had addressed me.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind,” I said, offering a small smile, though my nerves were fraying.

“See, George? She doesn’t mind,” Erin said, smiling back at me for the first time. It felt almost like approval, and I let out a small breath of relief.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I looked at Mark and smiled, taking his hand. His touch grounded me. But the warmth of the moment vanished as Erin’s smile hardened.

“Danica, dear, in our family, we don’t show affection in front of others, especially before marriage,” she said, her tone sharp.

I dropped Mark’s hand like it was on fire. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, embarrassed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“So,” Erin continued, her focus shifting back to me, “what kind of dress do you want? You have such a lovely figure. Something fitted and long would suit you perfectly.”

I hesitated, feeling my cheeks heat up. “Well, I won’t have this figure for long. I’ll be five months along by the wedding, so I was thinking of something more flowing.”

Mark groaned softly and buried his face in his hands. My stomach dropped.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Five months along?” Erin’s voice was clipped, her eyebrow arched in disbelief.

I nodded. “Pregnant,” I said simply.

The room felt like it froze. Erin gasped, clutching her chest like I had just confessed to a crime. “Oh, my God,” she whispered. “What a disgrace! My son is going to have a child out of wedlock!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I blinked, stunned. “Excuse me, what?”

“This is shameful! You’re a disgrace to our family! How could you do such a thing before marriage?” Erin shouted, her voice rising with each word.

“We’re adults,” I said, trying to stay calm. “We’re excited about this baby—”

“Danica, stop talking,” Mark muttered under his breath.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“How could you choose such a shameless fiancée?” Erin yelled at Mark. “She must have seduced you!”

“Erin, stop yelling at her. She’s pregnant,” George said, his voice cutting through her tirade.

“That’s the problem! What will people say?” Erin wailed. “Get out of my house! I don’t want to see you again!”

Tears spilled over as I stammered, “What did I do? I don’t understand…”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You and your illegitimate child are a stain on this family!” Erin spat. “Maybe it’s not too late for an abortion?”

I gasped. “What? What are you saying?” I cried, choking on my tears. Mark stayed silent, his face unreadable.

“Danica, let’s go,” Mark finally said, grabbing my hand.

Outside, his frustration boiled over. “What was that?!” he yelled at me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I should be asking you that!” I shot back, my voice shaking.

“I told you not to say anything unnecessary!” he snapped.

“I didn’t know our child was ‘unnecessary’ to you!” I yelled.

“Not to me—to them,” he replied sharply.

“You said their opinions didn’t matter!” I cried, shaking my head.

“I warned you they were conservative,” he said, his voice flat.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I looked at him, my heart breaking. “I’m staying at my place tonight,” I said, my tone firm, before turning away.

I still had a month left on the lease for my old apartment, so Mark drove me there. The ride was silent, tense.

When he pulled up, I stepped out without a word. Once inside, I sat on the couch, tears streaming down my face.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My chest ached as I replayed the dinner over and over. Mark hadn’t defended me or our baby.

How could he let his mother say those things? My thoughts spiraled, and I placed a hand on my stomach, wondering if all this stress was hurting the baby.

The next morning, a firm knock startled me awake. Groggy, I shuffled to the door and opened it. George stood there, his expression unreadable.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“How are you?” George asked, his voice calm but firm.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped, crossing my arms.

“I came to apologize for Erin,” he said, glancing down briefly. “She can be… overly emotional.”

I hesitated, then stepped back. “Would you like to come in?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No, I won’t stay long,” he replied, shaking his head. “I just wanted to explain. This is personal for her. Her parents were very conservative, even more than she is. When we got married, she was already pregnant with Mark.”

I stared at him, stunned. “What? Then why did she react so negatively to me being pregnant?”

George sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “She has always felt ashamed of it. She thinks we should have waited. She doesn’t regret having Mark, but it’s something she struggles with. I wanted you to know.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I frowned, still hurt but trying to understand. “That’s why she treated me like that? To protect some old-fashioned idea of pride?”

George nodded. “Yes. You can share this with Mark or even tell Erin’s relatives if she keeps making a fuss.”

“I won’t tell anyone,” I said softly. “I don’t want her to feel as hurt as I do now.”

George gave me a small nod, then turned to leave.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

After he left, I decided to return to Mark. But as I stepped outside, I froze. He was standing there, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“I’m sorry,” Mark said, looking right at me. “I should have stood up for you and the baby. I didn’t know what to do, and I was scared.”

“Thank you for apologizing. It hurt so much,” I admitted.

“It won’t happen again. I promise, I’ll always be on your side,” he said, his voice steady.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I nodded, a small smile breaking through. “Thank you.”

Mark leaned in, and I kissed him.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed. He stepped aside to answer it.

“It was my mom,” he said when he came back. “She wants to apologize. She asked what your favorite pie is.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I smiled faintly. “Tell her I love cherry pie too.”

Mark grinned. “Looks like you already have something in common.”

“You have no idea,” I whispered, letting him pull me into a warm hug.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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