The rain poured down heavily. In the late hours of the night, the alleyway was empty. Sneakers splashed through the water on the wet asphalt, and a convenience store bag fluttered in the wind. The men walking back to their share house stopped in their tracks because of a small movement in the corner of the alley. Under a streetlight. A small black cat was huddled next to a cardboard box, catching its breath. Its fur was matted and damp, looking as if it had been out in the rain for a long time.

But a moment later. The damp body slowly leaned forward. The small head touched the man's fingertips.

――――――――――――――

It was morning. Sunlight streaming through the gaps in the window spread long across the living room floor. Beer bottles from last night were still scattered about, and someone was sleeping on the sofa without even a blanket. And in the midst of it all. A small black cat quietly opened its eyes. An unfamiliar ceiling. Unfamiliar smells. The cat's ears moved slowly. The low breathing of the men, the hum of the refrigerator, and even the distant sound of cars were all heard clearly.