"How long are you staying this time?" he asked.
"A few days," Ponzu said. "We'll leave after the New Year. My cultivation is at a critical stage."
Kumu was surprised. "If it's at a critical stage, why didn't you finish that before coming back? It's fine to miss New Year for a year or two."
"There's no rush. It can wait until after the New Year," Ponzu reassured him.
Even though she knew it was urgent, this wasn't the time to say so.
Ponzu proudly took five Chameleon Cats out of her cloth bag.
They were still asleep, curled into five little balls.
She placed them on the table and gently poked them.
The Chinchillas yawned and slowly uncurled.
Kumu stared at the Chinchillas, his eyes widening. "What are these?"
"Chameleon Cats," Ponzu said. "I got them in a game."
"A game?" Kumu asked, puzzled.
"I'll explain later," Ponzu said.
Ponzu's mother poked her head out of the kitchen. "Little Ponzu, come help me prepare the vegetables."
Ponzu stood up and went into the kitchen.
Inside, Ponzu's mother was cutting meat.
When she saw Ponzu come in, she put down the knife and took her hand.
"Little Ponzu, you and Odin..." She lowered her voice. "Are you two together?"
Ponzu blushed. "Mom! Why are you asking that?"
"What's wrong with asking?" Her mother smiled. "You come home together, live together, and travel together. Doesn't that mean you're together?"
Ponzu said nothing and lowered her head to prepare the vegetables.
Her mother watched her, her smile growing wider. "All right, I won't ask anymore. As long as you know what you're doing."
She paused, then added, "Odin seems like a good boy to me. Honest, capable, and good to you. Your father likes him too."
"When did Dad say that?" Ponzu