The Silent Plea: A Cat, A Scorpion, and A Second Chance

It was just another ordinary evening in our quiet neighborhood when fate whispered a different plan. I was walking home under the soft glow of the setting sun when a faint, distressed meow caught my attention. It wasn’t loud, but it was desperate — a sound filled with fear and pain.

Following the cry, I found a small, skinny cat crouched behind a bush, its eyes wide with terror. As I moved closer, I saw the reason why. Clinging tightly to the cat’s side was a scorpion — its tail arched, its stinger poised.

My heart skipped a beat.

Most people fear scorpions — rightfully so — and instinct would tell anyone to walk away. But something about the helplessness in that cat’s eyes paralyzed me more than fear ever could. That tiny creature was paralyzed, too — not from venom, but from fright. It knew it couldn’t move or fight back without risking its life.

I had to do something.

I moved slowly, trying not to alarm the scorpion or the cat. Carefully, I grabbed a stick and gently nudged the scorpion. It hissed and clung tighter. I tried again, this time more firmly. The scorpion finally let go and dropped to the ground, scurrying away into the shadows.

The cat didn’t run. It just looked at me — still frozen, still trembling.

I picked it up gently and took it home. It wasn’t injured, just shaken. I gave it food, water, and a warm blanket. It took hours before the cat dared to relax, to purr, to accept that the danger was gone.

That night, I realized something important. The world isn’t just about people. Every life — no matter how small, silent, or scared — deserves compassion. The cat couldn’t speak, couldn’t ask for help, but it hoped. And sometimes, hope is all it takes for a miracle to happen.

I named the cat “Chance” — because that’s what he got, and what he gave me: a reminder that kindness doesn’t need to be grand, just brave

Royal-owned Mercedes-AMG G 63 V12 hits auction block

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, synonymous with rugged luxury, has seen numerous high-performance iterations under AMG’s guidance.

However, few are as rare – or as secretive – as the Mercedes-AMG G 63 V12. Hidden from public release, this ultra-exclusive SUV has resurfaced in Dubai, a fitting locale for such an extraordinary machine.

Unlike its more ubiquitous V8 counterparts, this G 63 features a monstrous 6.3-litre V12 engine. Producing just a hair under 330kW, it pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission. While modest by modern AMG standards, this powertrain was moderately innovative when the vehicle debuted two decades ago.

The AMG G 63 V12’s exclusivity stems from its unique production process. Unlike the publicly available Brabus G V12 900, this model was never officially offered for sale.

Mercedes-AMG is believed to have built only five units, and buyers were personally selected from a private customer database.

One such example, delivered in Alabaster White, was ordered through Dubai’s Gargash Mercedes-Benz and delivered to its owner on 10 October 2001. This particular G 63 V12 became an official state vehicle for Dubai’s royal family, proudly bearing the number ‘1’ plate.

Preserved in pristine condition, the 2002 G 63 V12 retains its original grey leather upholstery, burred walnut veneers and velour floor mats.

Additional features include an electronic sliding roof, TV tuner, CD changer and a Nokia hands-free system. Its 18-inch alloy wheels and steel-protected lower body underscore the SUV’s mix of luxury and durability.

Now showing just 44,500km on the clock, this highly unique AMG G-Class is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on December 1, 2024. Estimated to fetch between US$350,000 and $400,000 (around NZ$600,000 to $680,000), this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of motoring royalty.

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