CH 344

Words : 719 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

Petting the tail “Wuff! Wuff-wuff.” “Hmm. Gently pet along the fur or like you are brushing it.” “Ahaha! That tickles!” “Wuff!” “Like this? Okay.” And so I slowly brushed my hand outwards along the tail. However, it might have been too light, as Liza started laughing. Now that I think about it, when brushing Leo’s fur, she seemed to prefer it if you did it a little strongly. But then again, it would hurt if you tugged too hard as well… However, my experience with Leo helped me understand. I was careful to not go too down low as I petted and brushed the tail. While there were no bones inside, it could still become stiff, like a person’s shoulders. I suppose it was because it moved so much with her emotions. Maybe I could as Ms. Lyra or something to give her tail massages later. “Hmm…zzz…” In the meantime, Liza seemed to have fallen asleep. Well, she had been sleeping just a moment ago, and it was getting late…so it was no surprise. Perhaps she was just pretending that she wasn’t that tired, because of Leo and me. “Well, she looks comfortable, at least. I guess we should go to sleep too.” “Wou.” I whispered to Leo as I put a blanket over Liza. Just like yesterday, Leo curled up at the corner of the bed, so that Liza would not fall off. I too went into the other side of the bed and fell asleep. I wonder if Liza would have moved to where Leo is again tomorrow? I wondered as my consciousness faded. — “…Grandfather…zzz… “There, there. Don’t worry. You’re not alone.” “Wuff…” The following morning, I woke to feel that there was something heavy on my arm. Apparently, it was Liza, who had grabbed onto my right arm while I was sleeping. That was fine in itself, but while she was supposed to be asleep, it looked like tears were coming out of her eyes. I was surprised at first, but then I realized that she was having a dream about her grandfather. Perhaps she was dreaming about their separation…the moment that he had died. I raised my head and saw that Leo was looking at me. And then I turned my eyes back to Liza. And then I gently wiped away the tears with my left hand and patted her on the head in order to comfort her. Leo also barked in a worried voice. During the day, Leo and I were around, and she had played with Tilura and Sherry, and seemed happy… But I suppose she pretended to be braver than she was. After all, she had been abandoned in the slums, and then lost her grandfather, and then was picked on. I would have to assure her that from now on, she would not be lonely, and that there would be plenty of fun things in her life. “Mmm…Huh? Papa?” “Did you wake up?”” “Yes… Hahhh…” “Hahaha. Well, you slept a little late, so you’re probably tired. Why don’t you sleep a little longer?” “No, no. I’ll get up. I’ll be with you and maama today!” “I see. Well, let’s get up then.” After deciding to do my best to ensure that she would not feel sad, Liza woke up. She rubbed at her eyes, and yawned loudly. It seemed like she was still sleepy, but wanted to get up anyway. And so she let go of my arm and jumped down from the bed. “Wuff! Wuff!” “Aha! I’m fine, mama! “Wuff!” Leo immediately moved her face towards her and licked Liza’s face. Liza replied cheerfully and Leo looked relieved. I suppose Leo was worried, but also wanted to wipe away the tears as well. …Hmm. Liza should probably wash her face before breakfast. Even if there were no tears, her face would now be sticky. Not that Leo was particularly dirty, but it would be good for her to learn to wash her face in the morning as a habit. Back in Japan, Leo had sometimes woke me up in the morning by licking my face… Though, it wasn’t because of any concern she had for me. She just wanted me to feed her.

CH 344

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