The Miller's Unexpected Inheritance
Thomas, the miller's youngest son, sat on the grass by the stream, his head in his hands. His father's will had just been read. His older brothers received the mill and a sturdy donkey, but he... he was left with only the family cat. A perfectly ordinary ginger cat with clever blue eyes. "And what am I to do with you?" Thomas sighed, looking at the animal. "I can't even sell you. You're worthless."
The cat, sensing the sadness in the boy's voice, came closer and rubbed against his leg, purring loudly. Thomas, touched by the small gesture of affection, began to scratch its head. "At least you like me," he murmured. He petted the cat for a while, then, with another sigh, he started to get up. But a calm little voice stopped him. "Hey, where are you going? I was just getting comfortable."
Thomas froze. He looked around, alarmed. "Who said that?" he thought, clenching his fists. There was no one there. Only the rustle of leaves and the babbling of the stream. "Down here, silly!" the voice said again. The boy slowly lowered his gaze. The voice was coming from the cat, who was staring up at him with its blue eyes. It wasn't possible!
"Don't look at me like that," the cat said, yawning. "Yes, it's really me talking." Thomas watched as the cat's mouth moved, forming the words. He put a hand to his forehead, feeling faint. "Am I dreaming? Do I have a fever?" he stammered. The cat elegantly rose, not on four paws, but on two. "No, you're not dreaming," it said, strolling about like a little gentleman. "And yes, I walk, too."
"But... but how?" Thomas whispered, breathless. The cat huffed with an air of superiority. "Oh, you humans! You think you're the only intelligent beings in the world. The truth is, all cats can talk and walk. But why would we? It's much more comfortable to be served and pampered by you all day long! We are clever, not lazy."
The cat stopped in front of Thomas and put its paws on its hips. "Now, enough of this sadness! Do you think your father left you with nothing? He left you with ME! And with my brains and your hands, we will win a fortune greater than any mill. First things first, however, I shall need a pair of boots and a sack." Thomas stared, his astonishment turning into a spark of hope. Perhaps, after all, his inheritance wasn't so meager. It was the beginning of a great adventure.
Moral Values and Lessons
- Don't Judge by Appearances: The inheritance that seemed the poorest turned out to be the most valuable. Things (and people) are not always what they seem.
- Hidden Potential: Even the most humble creature can hide extraordinary talents. It's important to give everyone a chance.
- Cleverness is the True Treasure: The cat shows that a sharp mind and a good plan are worth more than a mill or a donkey. Wit and intelligence are priceless treasures.
- Hope in Hardship: Even when a situation looks hopeless, an unexpected surprise can change everything. One should never lose hope.
Story Questions
Comprehension Questions
- What did the miller's youngest son inherit?
- Why was he so disappointed at the beginning of the story?
- What was the first thing the cat said?
- What two surprising things could the cat do?
- According to the cat, why don't cats usually show their abilities?
Critical Thinking Questions
- Why do you think the father left the cat to his youngest son and not to one of the older brothers?
- The cat says cats are "clever, not lazy." What do you think that means?
- How does Thomas's reaction change throughout the story?
Personal Connection Questions
- Have you ever thought something was worthless and then discovered it was special?
- What is a "hidden talent" that you or a friend have?
- If you had a talking animal, what would be the first thing you'd ask it?
Fun Activities
- Design the Cat's Boots: Imagine you are the boot-maker. Draw the most stylish, adventurous pair of boots a talking cat could ever want. What color will they be? Will they have special buckles?
- Hidden Talent Show: Write down a secret or funny talent you have on a slip of paper (e.g., "I can wiggle my ears" or "I can sing a song backwards"). Put all the slips in a box and take turns reading them aloud, trying to guess whose talent is whose.
- Make a Plan: Imagine you are Thomas. The cat has just asked for a pair of boots and a sack. What is the first step in your plan to seek your fortune? Write or draw your first adventure.