I suppose the reason we adopted Sebastian was because no one else wanted him.
He is the unwelcome product of a Thai mother and a black American Father.
His father never owned anything more than what was on his back, never went to school, and was forever  brawling in the back alleys.
His mother small,with large eyes that seemed to constantly portray fear, was also uneducated, and like the father, she often begged  or stole food to keep alive.
Sebastian's early life marked him with hostility and distrust. He had to constantly fight for survival and it showed.
When he arrived at our house he wouldn't have anything to do with anyone. If an arm was raised suddenly, Sebastian would run as expecting a blow on the head, or a kick.
He cringed in fear at sudden loud or strange noises, and his table manners were atrocious.
He bolted his food as if afraid someone would snatch it from him.
One night I picked him up. He struggled and cried, but I held him tight and sat down, all the while talking to him. I could feel him gradually relax as I patted him. A few moments later he was sound asleep, his small black head resting comfortably on my shoulder.
Today you would hardly believe the change  in Sebastian. He runs around  happily, plays games, and has taken over the house.
Good food,gentle surroundings,and kindness have completely  changed the little fellow.
Poverty,hunger, prejudice and cruelty are terrible ways to begin a life and it is no wonder that so many of his kind wind up in back alleys, or behind bars, or worse yet, someday facing a death sentence.
I've changed Sebastians' name since adopting him
I feel a new name will better fit his life.
I call him Licorice,it's a sweeter name than Sebastian and everyone seems to like it better.

He seems to like it too.
He walks around with his tail held high and doesn't put his claws out anymore when I pick him up. yep~ Licorice is a fine handsome cat now.
If a bad beginning had such a profound effect on a cat ~ just think how much more terrible it must be to an underprivileged child.
                                 ~Martin Buxbaum