I heard tiny, frightened meows as I sat reading on my back patio. I followed the cries to the base of an old oak tree. There, through leafy branches, I spotted a kitten, her little kitten eyes bulging with fear. My heart, pierced by her terrified calls, sent me shimming up the trunk, climbing limb to limb. I grasped kitty, pressed her to my chest. A sudden gust shook me. I lost my balance, tumbled through limbs, a sharp branch ripped my cheek. Blood flooded my face and down my neck. However, I would not hesitate to do it again.