Morning Shadows

Tigress crouched on the curved roof of the village temple, watching the morning bustle below. Leon de Chen sparkled with red lanterns swaying between wooden buildings, and paper dragons danced on invisible strings above the cobblestone streets.

"The festival preparations look wonderful," she whispered to herself, admiring how villagers hung golden streamers and arranged colorful stalls.

A small movement caught her eye. Three figures in dark clothing slipped between the market stalls, moving differently from the cheerful vendors. They paused near the festival donation box, whispering and pointing.

Tigress's ears twitched. Something felt wrong about those strangers.

She leaped silently from rooftop to rooftop, following them. The trio stopped behind Master Chen's noodle cart, and she could hear their hushed conversation drifting upward.

"The Dragon Festival always brings in plenty of coins," one muttered.

"Easy pickings," another agreed.

Tigress's golden eyes narrowed. Bandits. They were planning to ruin the village's most important celebration.

She needed to act, but how could she stop them without creating a commotion that might scare away the festival visitors?

The Chatty Witness

Tigress dropped down to the alley behind Master Chen's cart, landing silently on her padded paws. She pressed herself against the wooden wall, listening.

"The festival starts tomorrow," the first bandit whispered. "We'll need three distractions to grab all the donation boxes."

"What kind of distractions?" asked another voice.

"Loud ones. Lots of chaos and screaming."

Tigress's tail twitched. The Dragon Festival was Leon de Chen's biggest celebration. Families saved all year to contribute to the donation boxes that funded the village school and helped elderly villagers.

Suddenly, a small voice piped up from above. "Pretty kitty!"

Tigress looked up to see a bright green parrot perched on the cart's awning. The bird tilted his head, studying her with curious black eyes.

"Shh," Tigress whispered urgently, raising a paw.

But the parrot squawked louder. "PRETTY KITTY! HELLO, PRETTY KITTY!"

The bandits' conversation stopped. Footsteps shuffled toward her hiding spot.

Tigress's mind raced. She needed to escape without making a sound, but the chatty parrot was ruining everything. How could she stay silent now?