Episode 63 — Shadow’s Homecoming and the Grand Feast

It wasn’t the first time Tama hadn't come home. Even in my previous world, she’d often vanish for a day or so.

...But three days was pushing it.

The living room was eerily quiet.

Even when I opened a bag of potato chips, I didn't feel that familiar presence approaching me while letting out a complaining "Meow."

"Tama..."

I called out, but there was no answer.

Well, obviously. She wasn't here.

The only light in the room came from my monitors, casting a glow over a single strand of black fur I found on the floor.

The moment I saw it, a knot of anxiety tightened in my chest.

(She’ll be fine. She’s always made it back somehow...)

I tried to tell myself that, but I couldn't settle down.

The sound of me cracking open a can of cola echoed far too loudly in the stillness.

"Hurry up and get back here."

My muttered words were swallowed by the silent room.

Tama’s food bowl hadn't been touched since morning. Every time I spotted another stray hair on the floor, that knot in my chest twisted a little tighter.

Then, it happened.

A faint presence flickered outside the window.

It wasn't the wind, and it wasn't a wild animal.

It was something sharper, more familiar—a "shadow's presence."

I stood up from my chair instinctively.

"Tama?"

The next instant—

A black shadow flitted gracefully through the gap in the window.

Emerging with the moonlight at her back was a small black cat.

She’d been gone for four days.

"Mrrp. (...I’m home. Sorry to make you worry, you big dummy.)"

It was Tama’s usual voice.

But there was a hint of relief in the way she sounded.

I couldn't wait another second. I rushed over and scooped her up, hugging her tight.

"Where the hell were you, idiot? ...I was worried sick."

Tama let out a small purr against my chest.

"Meow. (...I’m back. As if I’d just never come home.)"

Her pampered-sounding meow finally set my mind at ease.

The warmth in my arms slowly filled the void in my chest.

"Don't go off that far again."

"Meow. (I went all the way to the Capital for your sake, you know.)"

Still holding her close, I headed toward the kitchen.

"Alright. Today is a special occasion."

I pulled out the "Premium Meat Pouch" I’d been hiding in the back of the cupboard.

It was a ridiculously expensive brand I’d bought for her. Usually, I treated it like a 'Last Elixir'—something I never opened while lecturing her about how 'luxury is the enemy' or 'overeating is bad for your health.'

But today was fine.

She’d been gone for four days, after all.

"Here, Tama. It’s a feast."

The moment I piled the contents onto her plate, Tama’s eyes went wide and round.

"Meow?! (Wait, isn't this the expensive stuff?! What’s gotten into you?!)"

"Go ahead and eat. It’s a special treat."

Tama looked up at me for a split second—

And then she buried her face in the plate.

*Munch, munch, munch.*

She was eating with unbelievable intensity.

Her tail was standing straight up, the tip twitching rhythmically.

"Meow, mrow! (...It’s so good... This is delicious...!)"

To my ears, it was just a series of meows, but I got the message loud and clear from the way she was devouring it.

"Were you really that hungry...?"

Tama looked up once, her face a mess, and let out a cry.

"Meow. (This is your fault. You say you were worried, but you only ever spoil me at times like this.)"

"...You sound like you’re complaining about something."

Tama ignored me and went back to the plate.

While she munched away, only her tail swayed toward me.

(Seriously... I’m just glad she’s back.)

I watched her back until she was completely finished.

After licking the plate clean, she walked over to my feet, looking satisfied.

"Mrrp. (...Thanks for the meal. Lap. Now.)"

"Yeah, yeah. ...Go on, then."

As if it were the most natural thing in the world, Tama jumped onto my lap, curled up, and began to purr.

In the quiet night, the only sound was that of pure happiness.

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