Mom screamed.
She startled everyone nearby.
She didn't hear her classmates' complaints and confusion.
She realized... the black cat was gone.
From then on, Mom couldn't stand cats or dogs.
Other animals were "caught in the crossfire" too.
Mom didn't like animals.
Because of her aversion and dislike, Mom was especially sensitive to animals.
Every time, even when he didn't notice, Mom would spot a kitten or puppy around the corner ahead.
Mom would frown.
Then she would deliberately keep her distance from the kitten or puppy.
He hadn't realized at first that Mom disliked cats and dogs.
Then one year, on his birthday, Dad and Mom asked what he wanted as a present, and he said he wanted a puppy.
Some classmates bragged about the dogs they had at home, saying their dogs were especially clever and would fetch their slippers and even open the door for them...
Other students who had pets at home also started bragging about their pets.
He was envious when he heard them.
He wanted a dog, too.
Compared to cats, he thought dogs were much cooler.
But...
When Dad and Mom, who had asked what birthday present he wanted, heard his request, they looked troubled.
Then he learned about Mom's situation.
Faced with Mom's apologies, he gave up on that birthday wish.
He comforted Mom.
Forget it.
Anyway, he had to practice piano and wouldn't have time to raise a dog.
He had always thought Mom was practically a kitten-and-puppy radar.
She could always spot them with pinpoint accuracy, then keep well away from them.
So why hadn't Mom noticed the leopard?
Was she only sensitive to kittens and puppies...
And not so sensitive to leopards?
He didn't know.
He just couldn't figure it out...
How could Mom