Hello, friends, and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories.
Do you like cats? We do.
How about a cat that will only eat pizza, and maybe sneaks a slice or two when you're not looking?
You're about to hear a special preview of Margarita, the Cat Who Loved Pizza, the story of a quiet girl named Libby who's just moved to a new town and the surprise friend who follows her home one afternoon with a very particular taste in food.
This version is a little different from the one you may have already enjoyed, and if you'd like to hear more Margarita stories, All ad -free, you can subscribe to Sleep Type Premium.
Now, on to our story.
Have you moved to a new place before and felt lonely?
Libby has moved to a new house in a new place, and she has to go to a new school the next day and she is nervous.
Libby is very quiet and likes it when people come up and talk to her but at the end of her first day this has not happened and she is dreading what a long year it is going to be.
As Libby is walking home it feels like someone is following her but every Every time she turns to look, she cannot see anyone.
Who could it be? Margarita, the cat who loved pizza.
Libby sat on the floor of her new room, listening to music.
The room was unfamiliar, just like everything else about this place.
place. The walls were bare, the furniture sparse, and the sounds outside were different than what she was used to.
It felt wrong. Too quiet.
Too lonely. Back home, she would have heard the distant hum of traffic or her neighbour's dog barking, but here, in this new town, far away from everything she knew, it was like the world old had gone silent.
They had moved just a week ago, and every day since had felt like an eternity.
Libby missed her old neighborhood, her friends, and the comfort of knowing where everything was.
But now, nothing was familiar.
Not her room, not the streets, not even the weather, which seemed colder than she remembered.
Libby buried her face in her knees, letting the music drown out her thoughts Music was her escape With her headphones on, she could imagine herself back home Or better yet, somewhere completely different In her mind, she was a superhero, swooping in to save the day Or a famous adventurer, exploring unknown lands But today, no amount of imagining could shake the loneliness that gnawed at her.
Tomorrow was her first day at a new school, and she couldn't stop thinking about it.
The idea of walking into a classroom full of strangers made her stomach turn.
turn. People would stare, whisper, and maybe even laugh.
She wasn't good at making friends, and the thought of talking to new kids was enough to make her want to curl up under her blanket and stay there forever.
Libby, are you unpacked yet?
Her mother called from the hallway.
way. Libby didn't respond.
Libby? Her music was turned up loud, blocking out the world just the way she liked it.
But her mother wasn't easily deterred.
She waved a hand in front of Libby's face.
And finally, Libby pulled off her headphones.
Sorry, Mom, what did you say?
say? Her mother sighed.
You haven't unpacked yet?
You really should get your room in order so you're not scrambling to find things in the morning.
I'll do it, but is there any chance we could still move back home?
No, sweetie. I know this is hard, but try to think Think of it as a new adventure.
Look at your room. It's fresh and clean, ready for you to make it your own.
This is a new start for both of us.
Right, Libby muttered, not sounding convinced.
I'm heading to the grocery store.
Do you want to come with me?
You know I don't like grocery stores, Mom.
Too many people, too much noise.
Her mother nodded, a soft smile on her face.
Alright, I'll be back in an hour.
Maybe when I get back I'll see some progress in here?
Maybe, Libby mumbled as she put her headphones back on.
Libby's first day at her new school was exactly as she had feared.
People People stared at her like she had grown two heads, but no one said anything.
Every whisper, every giggle from the corners of the classroom felt like it was about her.
She kept her head down, barely making eye contact.
Her mother always said, You have to make the first move sometimes, but to Libby, the thought of approaching anyone was terrifying.
As she walked home, Libby felt a lump growing in her throat.
No one had said a word to her all day.
She was convinced this new town was going to be a lonely place.
Just as she turned the corner onto her street, she thought she heard soft footsteps steps behind her.
But every time she looked back, there was nothing.
A few moments later, she caught a flash of orange out of the corner of her eye.
What was that? Before she could figure it out, something orange and furry darted out from behind a bush and attacked her leg.
Gently. Startled, Libby looked down to see a scruffy orange cat rubbing up against her leg Hey there, she said, bending down to pet it Where did you come from?
The cat's fur was matted and dirty and she looked thin When Libby stroked her, the cat purred quietly Looking up with sleepy, dull eyes You don't have a home, do you?
Libby asked softly You look as lonely as I feel Libby stood up giving the cat one last scratch behind the ears I have to go home now, but it was nice meeting you She took a few steps toward her house, but she didn't get far The cat followed her, its tail swishing as it trotted along along.
You're really following me home?
Libby asked amused.
Okay but just for a little while.
She opened the front door and the cat darted in before she could change her mind.
Libby is that you? Her mother called from the kitchen.
I hope you don't mind but I ordered pizza for dinner.
How was your first?
What is that? Her mother's voice trailed off when she she saw the orange cat now curled up on their couch. I think she's astray, Mom.
She followed me home and looked so sad and lonely.
And you always tell me we should be kind to animals.
Can we give her something to eat, please?
Her mother looked at the scruffy orange cat, then at Libby's pleading eyes and sighed.
All right, we'll give her something to eat, but just for tonight.
night. Libby grinned and after she took off her coat and shoes, she rushed to the kitchen to find something for the cat to eat.
She tried milk first, but the cat wouldn't drink it.
Her mother offered tuna, but again, the orange cat turned her nose up.
Libby tried giving the cat a leftover over hamburger, but the orange cat would not eat it.
Maybe she's sick, her mother said.
We can take her to the vet tomorrow.
Before Libby could reply, the doorbell rang.
Their pizza had arrived.
As her mother placed the box on the kitchen table and opened it, the smell of rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fresh dough filled the room.
Let's eat dinner first, and then we can decide how to help the cat, her mother suggested.
As if on cue, the orange cat's ears perked up.
She jumped off the couch and trotted into the kitchen, rubbing against Libby's legs and meowing expectantly.
Mom, look, she likes pizza.
Should I give her some?
Her mother raised an eyebrow.
Pizza? For a cat? I don't know if that's a good idea.
Libby tore off a small piece and set it on the floor.
The cat gobbled it up in one bite.
Well, that's a first, her mother said laughing.
I guess she likes pizza as much as you do.
Can I give her a whole slice?
Libby asked. asked.
I'm no expert, Libby, but I'm not sure pizza is the best food for a cat, even our tomato and cheese favorite.
She needs to eat, Mom.
Her mother sighed but smiled.
I suppose so. She needs to eat something.
Libby gave the orange cat a slice of pizza, which she ate happily before returning to the couch to a nap.
Well, she seems full at least, Libby said to her mom.
That's one unusual cat, her mother said with a shake of her head.
As her mom checked on her that night, she saw the orange cat lying with Libby in bed.
Both were fast asleep.
The next morning, Libby tried to give the orange cat milk again, but it wouldn't drink it.
Her mother offered tuna again, but the cat still wouldn't touch it.
I guess we'll have to try pizza, Libby said, laughing as she warmed up a slice.
Once again, the orange cat devoured the pizza and went to the couch to nap.
Are you sure she's okay, mom?
Libby asked. It's like pizza is the only thing she'll eat.
Her mother shook her head She's certainly unique, but she seems happy enough For the rest of the week, Libby and her mother Tried every food they could think of Tuna, chicken, cat food But the orange cat refused everything Except pizza It became a routine Whenever the pizza delivery arrived The cat would be there waiting for her slice.
Each night the cat would curl up in Libby's bed purring softly as she fell asleep.
Slowly they became the best of friends.
While you were at school I took the cat to the vet her mother said one afternoon.
What did the vet say?
She's perfectly healthy no microchip no collar.
The vet Said she'd let us know if anyone comes Looking for a lost orange cat But it looks like she's ours now Libby's eyes lit up Does that mean we get to keep her?
Her mother smiled Yes, Libby It looks like Margarita is part of the family now Margarita?
Libby asked, grinning I thought it was a fitting name For a cat who loves pizza Libby laughed Margarita It's perfect.
Good night. Sleep tight.
Thank you. Thank you.
