Five years ago.

One night, the rain was falling steadily.

I was on my way home, just like any other day.

Perhaps because it had been an unusually exhausting day, I was on edge even over the smallest things.

But then, a sound reached my ears.

"Meow... Meow..."

It was the sound of a kitten crying from somewhere.

Normally, I might have just walked past.

But for some reason, it bothered me. Eventually, I turned back and headed toward the sound.

There, I found a tiny kitten, shivering and soaked to the bone from the rain.

I couldn't bring myself to leave it behind.

I brought the kitten home, washed it carefully, and dried it with a warm towel.

It was so adorable to see it devouring its food as if it were starving. Without realizing it, I found myself smiling and stroking its head.

And then, I gave it a name.

A sweet and cute name, Tani.

Since that day, Tani became a precious member of my family.

Feeding her, playing with her, and always holding her in my arms before falling asleep.

Just like that, five years have passed since Tani and I began our life together.

And tonight was an ordinary night, just like any other.

Right up until the moment I lay in bed, pulling Tani into my arms to fall asleep.

...Or so it should have been.

...Huh?

Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation.

It wasn't the usual soft, fluffy feel of fur. It was much smoother, warmer, and a touch so soft it felt almost alien.

Moreover, Tani's body, which should have been nestled in my arms, felt far too large.

The moment I slowly opened my eyes, fearing the worst.