Mephisto, a black cat, lives apart from other cats. Shunned by the townspeople for being a harbinger of bad luck, he never gets to sit inside by the fireplace like the tomcats do. Instead he dodges constant insults and abuse. He decides to leave behind the world of humans for a peaceful life in the country, but once winter comes and he returns to the city, the townspeople find that they need him after all. Still, nothing is as important to Mephisto as his freedom.
