The Cat with One Floppy Ear

Freya was making clay animals on a little board in her bedroom. Her friend Ben sat beside her. Mum was folding clothes on the bed. Between the children stood a clay cat with one floppy ear. Ben had made its tiny paws with the end of a spoon.

“Look at my cat,” Ben said. He held it on his palm. Freya saw its round middle. A silly name came into her head. She wanted Ben to laugh with her.

“It’s a squashed potato!” she said. The words came out fast.

Ben did not laugh. His smile went away. He hid the cat behind his back. “I worked hard on it,” he said. “I wanted you to see the paws.”

Freya felt worried. Her tummy tightened. She had wanted a giggle. Now Ben was looking at the floor.

“But potatoes are funny,” she said. She made a wobbly potato shape with her hands. “See?”