MIDNIGHT STROLL IN TIMES SQUARE

Story and Images By Malissa R 

Once upon a moonlit night, in the heart of New York City, a curious tabby cat named Whiskers and a daring little mouse named Squeaky decided to explore the dazzling wonderland of Times Square. The neon lights flickered like a thousand fireflies, casting a magical glow upon the pavement.
	Whiskers, with her sleek stripes and bright green eyes, led the way. She had heard tales of Times Square—the crossroads of the world—where dreams danced with reality. Squeaky, his tiny paws barely making a sound, scampered alongside her, his whiskers twitching in excitement.
As they stepped onto the bustling streets, they were greeted by a symphony of honking taxis, laughter, and snippets of conversations in a hundred different languages. Whiskers marvelled at the towering billboards, each one competing for attention. “Look, Squeaky,” she whispered, “there’s an ad for a Broadway show! Can you imagine us on that stage?” Squeaky’s round eyes widened. “Me, a mouse, performing in a musical? Why not!” he squeaked. “And you, Whiskers, could be the star of a feline detective series!”
	They weaved through the crowds, dodging hurried commuters and wide-eyed tourists. Whiskers admired the giant M&M’s store, its colourful façade inviting them in. “Let’s grab some chocolate-covered peanuts,” she suggested. Squeaky agreed, and they nibbled on their treats, sitting atop a giant candy dispenser.
Their journey continued past costumed superheroes, street performers, and artists creating chalk masterpieces on the pavement. Whiskers admired a spray-painted mural of a galaxy, its swirling colours captivating her feline soul. “Imagine exploring the cosmos,” she mused. “We’d chase shooting stars together.”
	Squeaky, ever the optimist, pointed to the giant LED screens displaying news, sports, and weather updates. “Look, Whiskers! They’re broadcasting our adventure!” he exclaimed. “We’re famous!”
As midnight approached, the square grew even livelier. Whiskers and Squeaky danced to an impromptu jazz band, their tails swaying in rhythm. A hot dog vendor offered them a miniature frankfurter, and they shared it like old friends.
	And so, in the heart of Times Square, under the watchful gaze of the city that never slept, Whiskers and Squeaky vowed to return. For in this bustling, neon-lit wonderland, they had discovered that even the smallest creatures could leave their pawprints on the world.
And so ends our tale of two unlikely companions, their whiskers brushing against the magic of Times Square. May your own adventures be just as enchanting!