Once upon a time, there was a boy named Pedro. He was Henry's best friend, and they loved to play together. Henry had wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, and a big smile. He was the most adventurous boy you could ever meet, always ready for a new adventure! They both loved fish, and often spent their days playing near the pond, watching the fish swim.
One day, Pedro met Henry in their favorite garden. "Henry, my father passed away," he said, his voice sad. "He left the family windmill to my older brother, a pack mule to my middle brother, and only a cat to me!"
"A cat?" Henry asked. "How are you going to survive with just a cat?"
"I don't know," Pedro said. "But I guess I'll have to make do."
Just then, the cat, who had been listening, interrupted. "If you get me a pair of leather boots," he said, "I will prove very useful!"
Henry and Pedro looked at each other, then at the cat. They were very adventurous, always up for a challenge, so they ran to their piggy bank. Inside, they had saved many coins. They quickly bought a pair of boots for the cat. "Will you come with us on an adventure?" Henry asked the cat.
Pedro shook his head. "I'll stay with my brothers." But Henry was too excited to pass up this chance! He was always up for an adventure, so he set off with the cat.
The cat led Henry through the enchanted forest near their home in San Antonio. Henry loved the forest, with its tall trees and whispering leaves. He could even talk to the fish in the streams! "Hello, little fish!" he'd whisper, and they'd answer with a swish of their tails.
The cat was a great hunter. He quickly caught two hens! He explained to Henry, "I have a plan, my friend. You'll see!"
They arrived at a beautiful castle in the forest. The cat gave the hens to one of the king's servants, saying, "These are a gift from a young man who has recently moved to the kingdom." The servants were delighted with the hens, and soon the cat and Henry were on their way to meet Pedro.
When they found Pedro in the garden, the cat told him about the hens. "But what is your plan, Henry?" Pedro asked.
Henry shrugged. He didn't know yet. He still had a lot to learn!
The cat, Pedro, and Henry played in the garden. Soon, Pedro and Henry decided to swim in the nearby pond. Just as they jumped in, a royal carriage pulled up. The cat ran off, saying, "Stay put! This is all part of the plan!"
The cat met the king, who was riding in the carriage. "Someone stole the clothes of my young master, Henry," the cat said. "And his friend, Pedro!"
The king, who was very kind, invited the cat, Henry, and Pedro to ride with him. "I will arrange for you to have new clothes," he said.
Henry thanked the king. He was always happy to be included in an adventure!
"Your Majesty," the cat said, "Would you be interested in seeing the lands of my young master, Pedro?"
The king, always eager to explore, agreed! The cat directed the carriage to the castle of a powerful ogre. Pedro didn't know what was happening, but he and Henry were enjoying the adventure!
The cat jumped out of the carriage first. "Pedro," he said, "Show the king around your lands."
Pedro and Henry played along while the cat carried out his plan.
The cat entered the ogre's castle. The ogre, who was not very nice, asked, "What is a cat doing in my castle?"
The clever cat said, "I admire your magical powers, kind sir. Can you transform me into a lion?"
The ogre, wanting to show off his power, turned the cat into a lion!
"Now," the cat said, "Can you transform me into a mouse?"
The ogre, still wanting to show off, transformed the cat into a mouse!
The cat, now a lion, ate the mouse! The castle now belonged to Pedro.
The cat, who also had magical powers, turned back into a cat. He went to meet the king, Pedro, and Henry. "Come in, my friends!" he said, inviting them into the castle.
The king was amazed by the castle and even more by Pedro and Henry's kindness. "I would like to introduce you to my daughter," the king said. "Perhaps you and she could make a wonderful family together!"
Pedro and Henry were delighted. They were eager to meet the princess, but they decided to tell the truth. They told the king about the cat's adventures.
The king was even happier to meet children who were honest and kind.
From that day forward, Pedro, Henry, the cat, and the princess played together every day in the enchanted forest garden. They all loved fish!
This truly is a happily ever after!
