The Travelling Cat Chronicles

by Hiro Arikawa

Because it was a very special thing—to have your own cat in your own home.

“There’s no point in going to Kokura now,” Satoru said, and gave a faint smile. Chikako interrupted him. “You really should go. Save up your money and go over there to say good-bye.” Satoru blinked in surprise. “You have to mourn your cat properly, or you won’t get over it. Don’t just sit here fretting about being too late. Go there and mourn him. Tell him you’re sorry you didn’t make it in time, that you wanted to see him.”

You’re the silly one. I’d never wander so far that I’d actually lose you. “Don’t leave me . . . Stay with me.” Ah-hah! Finally. Finally, he had said what he really meant. I’d known for a long time how Satoru felt. I knew he was searching hard for a new owner for me, but that as each attempt came to nothing, he felt hugely relieved to be taking me home again. “It’s such a shame I can’t leave him here,” he’d tell each of his friends, but in the van on the way home he’d be all smiles. How could I ever leave him, having experienced that kind of love? I will never, ever, leave him.

A sense of pride suddenly swelled up in me. Pride in myself as a cat who still hadn’t lost his identity as a hunter. And for me, as a hunter, I can tell you that I’m not going to back away from what lies ahead for Satoru.

There are so many things in life that are beyond our control.

“Until Nana came here, I never would have imagined that a person would eat a cat’s leftovers.” “It happens sometimes when you have a cat. And these aren’t leftovers. He didn’t touch it, so it’s perfectly safe.” Satoru put the meat in his bowl of ozoni soup as a topping. “What will people think if they hear I gave you something to eat that even a cat wouldn’t touch? Please don’t mention it to anyone.” “Anybody who has a cat will understand.”

I get it. Having had Satoru take me in as his cat, I think I felt as lucky as he did. Strays, by definition, have been abandoned or left behind, but Satoru rescued me when I broke my leg. He made me the happiest cat on earth. I’ll always remember those five years we had together.

Okay, then. Before Noriko got back, I had something to do. Noriko came home after dark, and as she wandered into the living room she let out a scream. “EEEEK! Nana! You did it again!” I’d removed every single tissue from the box and was sitting quietly in the corner contemplating the result of my actions. “You don’t use them, so why take them out?” Good point. But as you focus on your anger and on tidying up the floor, don’t all your sad feelings begin to lift a bit? “What a waste! What a complete waste!” Noriko muttered as she strutted around picking up the tissues, but then, as if letting out a soft puff of air, she laughed.

Forever and ever I am your cat, Satoru.

My story will be over soon. But it’s not something to be sad about. As we count up the memories from one journey, we head off on another. Remembering those who went ahead. Remembering those who will follow after. And someday, we will meet all those people again, out beyond the horizon.