ItwasatypicalTuesdaymorningattheelementaryschool.Theclassroombuzzedwiththeusualcacophonyofchildren'svoices,asymphonyofexcitementandanticipationforthedayahead.AmongthemwasLily,abright-eyedgirlwithamischievousglintinhereyes.Today,however,Lilycarriedasecret,apreciouscargothatmadeherheartpoundwithamixtureofnervousnessandpride.

Astheteacher,Ms.Evelyn,begantheday'slesson,Lilyfidgetedinherseat.Sheglancedatherbackpack,asmallsmileplayingonherlips.Sheknewwhatshehaddone.Lastnight,aftermuchdeliberation,shehadmadeadecision.Shehaddecidedtobring"78"toschool.

"78"wasn'tanumber,norwasitatoy."78"wasatiny,fluffykitten,nobiggerthanLily'spalm.Lilyhadfoundthekittenabandonedinanalleywayafewdaysago,shiveringandalone.Herhearthadmeltedatthesightofthelittlecreature,andshehadcarefullybroughtithome,namingit"78"becauseofthefainttabbymarkingsthatresembledthenumbers.

Lilyhadnursed"78"backtohealth,feedingitwarmmilkandprovidingitwithacozybed.Butherparentshadstrictlyforbiddenherfromkeepingapetathome.So,whentheopportunityarose,Lilydecidedtosneak"78"intoschool.ShebelievedthatMs.Evelyn,withherkindheartandgentlenature,wouldunderstand.

Themorningclassespassedbyinablur.Lilytriedherbesttoconcentrate,buthermindkeptdriftingto"78,"nestledsafelyinherbackpack.Sheimagineditssoftpurrs,itstinymeows,andthewarmthofi