ArtyWink, I am so touched by this story from your little nine-year-old who went through a heartbreaking experience. Wow. I'm so glad though that there were some kind grown-ups who knew how to listen to you and show care for what you were going through. Often I was so very alone in my childhood traumas (lost child in a family of ten kids). How remarkable that ginger cat who came and sat in front of you! And that you were able to punch that bully in the face! Impressed with the courage behind that act of standing up for yourself.