"Everything Will Be Okay" is a short story by James Howe that centers on a young boy named James who finds a sick, scrawny kitten in the woods near his home. The kitten is in poor condition, with pus coming from its eyes and nose, and bits of burrs and wood caught in its fur. James, feeling compassion for the animal, reassures it by stroking its head and telling it, "Don't worry... Everything will be okay." He decides to take the kitten home, hoping his mother will help nurse it back to health. However, his mother is cautious and concerned about the kitten's illness, instructing James to remove his clothes and wash them to prevent contamination. She plans to take the kitten to a vet named Dr. Milk to see if it can be treated
. The story explores themes of hope, compassion, and the desire to care for something vulnerable. James's interaction with the kitten also reflects his own feelings of being different and seeking kindness, as he is portrayed as somewhat isolated within his family and pressured to conform to their ways
. James Howe, the author, is an American writer known for children's and young adult fiction, including the famous "Bunnicula" series. "Everything Will Be Okay" was published in the anthology When I Was Your Age and reprinted in Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul
. The story is often appreciated for its emotional depth and the way it handles themes of empathy and resilience in the face of hardship. In summary, "Everything Will Be Okay" is a touching narrative about a boy's compassion for a sick kitten and his hope that things will improve, symbolizing broader themes of care, hope, and personal growth.
