Hello @kemmyb What a lovely story you wove. I like how you began with a calm setting in the woman's home named Mary. Your characters Abbey and Sharon are well defined in the right places of the story.
You next take us on a different story path showing us another side of the city or town where people live in squalor. Abbey and Sharon are close, brought together by their plight in life. It's good Sharon has a protector in Abbey. Their circumstances of being street children in a dangerous setting is shown by their encounters. Having to beg and search for food is another clue.
However, the children's spirit is portrayed as different from other kids who may be in their situation in life. It feels as though they have a kindness in spite of their plight. A willingness to help others. I like how you show us their kindness in deeds instead of words.
The cat Manny is the catalyst that puts in motion Sharon and Abbey's fate in life. Because Sharon is kind-hearted and cares for the cat; while Abbey acts as Sharon's protector, they both follow Manny on a journey that seals their fate in life by guiding them to a new and pleasant life situation.
I was hoping for a happy ending, and you delivered. Wonderful story.
Thanks for sharing.