[Amano Writing Club] Good Evening to a Cat

The Komiyama household is peaceful again today. In fact, it is peaceful because I am guarding the house. Though, usually, I have nothing to do, so I just sleep.

I am a cat.
No, to be precise, I am a yokai disguised as a cat. I am ten meters long, heavier than an elephant, and my tail is split into two.
Even so, right now, I am curled up on a cushion in the Komiyama house, being called 'Kuro' and eating cat food.

New Year's has arrived. The New Year gods and local guardian deities also come to greet me.

"Kuro, here is your New Year's gift."

Makoto gave me a small envelope.

"Meow."

I pretended not to be interested in the envelope, lifted my head slightly, and let out a small cry. How grateful I am. It is not food, but I shall make this my treasure.

I used my magic to see through the envelope. Inside was a golden coin with a hole in the middle. Why, this is a copper coin from Tang China that the Kamakura Shogunate was dying to get their hands on when I was born!
What a clever child. As expected, Makoto understands. That I have been guarding this house for one hundred and fifty years—.

The mother said.

"This is a real case of 'gold coins to a cat'."

Foolish human. Do not lump me in with the ignorant cats around here.

"Good evening to a cat?"

Makoto looked up at his mother, puzzled.

"It's still a bit difficult for you, Makoto."

The mother did not try to explain the meaning of the proverb.

New Year's ended, and the usual busy daily life returned to the humans.
The mother takes Makoto to a nearby nursery school and then heads to work from the station.
After the mother leaves, I quietly move to the nursery school to secretly watch over Makoto.
After all, there is no telling when a monster might invade my territory and harm Makoto.

However, the nursery school is peaceful today as well.
I decide to take a nap in my special spot, which gets plenty of sunlight.
Before I knew it, the children had surrounded me.

"Kitty, so cute."

Do not touch me with your dirty, muddy hands. You lowly human brat!
……But I am an adult over seven hundred and fifty years old.
I shall gracefully allow you to touch my noble body.

"This is our Kuro."

Makoto is explaining to his friends.

"No, that's not it. You give them New Year's money, and then, like this, you bow."

Tree leaves, marbles, and glass beads are being placed around me.
It seems these are offerings to express reverence toward me.

"Alright, say good evening to the cat!"

When Makoto bowed, the children around him chanted in unison.

"Good evening to the cat!"

End

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