Fantasy Short Story: "Grande Hamster"

The hamster that started growing around last summer has finally reached about two meters in height. When it stands on its hind legs, it's taller than me.

Naturally, it no longer fits in its cage, so we have been living together in the living room since the end of last year.

Since it can no longer use its hamster wheel and has become inactive, I have started taking the hamster out for walks.

When I asked the hamster, whose movements had slowed down as it grew larger, "Is your body heavy?", it laughed and said, "I've just calmed down."

...But it wants to rest all the time.

We stop by a coffee shop and place an order.
When I say, "We're only taking a short break," and order a short coffee, the hamster looks at me sheepishly and says, "Short... no, make it a Grande size." I wonder if it needs more hydration now that it's grown so big.

Once the hamster sits down, it starts munching on something. When I tell it, "You're not allowed to bring your own food," it points to its cheek pouches and says, "It's not brought-in food." It seems to be the penne I gave it as a snack at home. Since it's already in its mouth... I guess it's okay.

On the way home, we walk along the riverbank. When I ask if it reminds it of the grasslands of its homeland, it says, "I was born in a cage," and then adds worriedly, "...You won't return me to the pet shop just because I've grown too big, will you?"

I won't. I'll never return you.

When I ask, "So, let me ride on your back for a bit," it says, "Just for a little while," and lets me climb on.

As I cling to the hamster's back, the warmth that used to fit in the palm of my hand a year ago now envelops my entire body.

(End)

*I participated in the project by Haratokei below.

#ThreeDialogueStory
#GrasslandReturnPenne

■ Dialogue
"Short... no, make it a Grande size."
■ Three Topics
・Grassland ・Return ・Penne