The Cat That Crossed the Crosswalk
Little cat Maomao, Huahua’s only daughter, was cherished like a precious jewel. Half a month after Maomao was born, Huahua almost daily took her to the roadside to “look at the scenery.” Saying it was to look at the scenery was more like saying she was teaching her how to cross the street using the crosswalk.
Maomao was careless, glancing around, dazzled by the scenery on the other side of the road, making her heart restless, occasionally meowing, “Meow meow,” as if annoyed. “Is it really necessary to learn how to cross the road? I’m so smart; I can learn it on my own.” Huahua’s eyes widened, clearly dissatisfied with Maomao’s attitude.
Huahua stared unblinkingly at the traffic light in front of the crosswalk.
Suddenly, the green light lit up. Huahua told Maomao that only then could they cross the road. She dashed across the street like a flash. Then, waiting for the green light again, she darted back to Maomao and said, “Did you see that? Do it like Mama, and you’ll safely cross the road!”
The road near Maomao’s home was a must-pass for Huahua whenever she went out to find food. She was very shrewd, never daring to cross the road carelessly for fear of being hit by the constant flow of vehicles. She was particularly interested in the traffic lights. When the red light came on, the tide of colorful vehicles would come to a halt.
She understood that when the opposite light turned green, she could dash across. Huahua was five years old and had crossed that road countless times without a single scratch. But she still taught Maomao every day how to cross the road, warning her not to be reckless. However, Maomao didn’t take it to heart at all.
One morning, just as the sun was rising, Huahua left home. Before leaving, she told Maomao, “Don’t cross the road; there are too many vehicles!” She looked up, saw the green light, and quickly ran across, heading straight for the restaurant, hoping to find some fish to bring back for Maomao.
However, she wandered around the restaurant for a long time without finding anything. Just then, the restaurant discarded a pile of chicken intestines. She grabbed some and happily headed home, ready to share the food with her daughter.
As she walked, Huahua wondered if Maomao, starving, might have gone out to find food herself. Huahua usually took no more than half an hour to find food, but this time, she had been gone for quite a while.
“Meow meow,” Maomao called out repeatedly, her eyes glued to the passing vehicles. She had forgotten her mother’s warning and was eager to cross the road to see the scenery on the other side.
Maomao stopped at the roadside, fascinated by the passing vehicles and wanting to find her mother on the other side. She hesitated for a while, then, as if guided by an unseen force, she began to cross the road. The drivers seemed to notice her and honked loudly, scaring Maomao.
She took a few steps, stopped, and was too frightened to run across. She squatted there, stunned by the vehicles or perhaps waiting for her mother. The drivers slowed down and made way for her, as if saying, “Silly cat, what are you waiting for? Cross the road!”
Huahua, carrying food in her mouth, was waiting for the green light at the crosswalk.
At that moment, she heard Maomao’s call and her heart skipped a beat. “Isn’t that Maomao? Why is she out here?” As soon as the green light came on, Huahua dashed across in a beautiful arc and landed firmly in front of Maomao, shaking with anger.
Maomao saw Huahua’s expression and knew she was in big trouble. She regretted her recklessness, going out without her mother’s permission. She was so scared that she couldn’t move and lay down on the ground.
Huahua wanted to carry Maomao across the crosswalk, but she couldn’t bear to drop the food in her mouth. What to do? She needed to seize the moment and teach Maomao a lesson.
Huahua stood up, her eyes never leaving the traffic light. Maomao was puzzled, twisting her body as if asking, “Mama, what are you doing?” She meowed twice, and Huahua, annoyed, dropped the food and began teaching her.
Huahua pointed to the three lights in the air, changing from time to time. The passing drivers were puzzled, wondering what game these two cats were playing. Instead of honking, they poked their heads out to watch.
Then, the green light came on. Huahua led the way, and Maomao followed closely behind. They quickly crossed the crosswalk and ran home.
Every day, Huahua took Maomao across the road several times.
Attentive drivers noticed that every time Huahua and Maomao crossed the crosswalk, they waited for the green light, one leading the way and the other following swiftly.
One day, traffic officer Big Beard brought a few violators to the intersection.
Big Beard said nothing, just asked them to watch a “scenic view.”
Before long, the green light came on, and two cats, one big and one small, appeared on the crosswalk. They swiftly crossed to the other side.
“So, what do you think? Got it?”
The violators were puzzled. “Do cats understand traffic rules?”
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
