Kayla, an only child, longs for a furry friend in the quiet Montana countryside. When she discovers a tiny kitten left by the roadside in a cardboard box, her wish finally comes true-or so she thinks. But caring for Chester isn't as easy as she imagined. Hiding him from her parents, sneaking supplies, cleaning up after him, and nursing him back to health all by herself quickly becomes overwhelming. As Chester's condition worsens, Kayla faces a crucial decision: should she keep her secret or ask for help before it's too late? A tender tale of responsibility, honesty, and growing up. Young readers will connect with Kayla's deep desire to be trusted and capable, even as she learns that asking for help is sometimes the bravest thing of all. A perfect read for families and classrooms alike, this story encourages empathy, resilience, and the beauty of second chances. A heartwarming chapter book for independent readers ages 7-9 (grades 2-4). Perfect for children ready to move beyond easy readers and also a delightful read-aloud for younger children.