Tama's Favorite Food

"Rub this ointment on--."
This male human who isn't Master is giving Tama an order.
It's a very gentle voice, very different from Master's yelling.
Tama is told to rub her wound with the clean cloth, but that's a waste.
It'll get dirty if it is used on Tama's body.
But, it's an order, so Tama will get hit if she doesn't do it.
Pain is bad, so Tama wipes herself using only the corners of the cloth.
The water is clean too. It has a good smell, like the smell of water buckets after rain.
Tama is thirsty and wants to drink, but can't do it without 'permission'. Because Tama is a slave.
Liza tells Tama to rub the slimy white stuff on the wounds.
Tama asks if that will hurt, but Liza gets mad and says "Just do it".
Liza says we'll get thrown away here if we make him mad. She looks like she's about to cry.
It's the first time Tama has seen Liza like that.
Tama also senses something bad about this place and wants to get out too.
So, Tama rubs the slimy stuff on the wounds. It hurts but have to keep doing it.
Because Tama doesn't want to get left behind.
Tama secretly licks a little bit of the slimy stuff, but it was so bitter.

◆

He gives good smelling squares to everyone.
It smells really good.
The smell of autumn?
It's the same as the smell that Tama found when going to the rich people place.
When Tama goes to the rich people place for errands, the human kids sometimes punch and kick. But, all the smells are just so good.
Tama feels happy just sniffing these squares.
Ah, belly is rumbling.
Tama wants to lick it, but can't do anything without permission.
Since this is food, sneaking a bite means getting hit. Just like when the dog-man kid stole the 'jerky', he got hit until he was unable to move. So, Tama won't eat.
The man tilts his head.
What's going on? Tama tilts her head too. Don't understand.
"It's fine, go ahead and eat."
--Eh? It's okay?
Tama can eat the good smelling square? Really?
Tama looks at Pochi. Her hands are shaking. Tama looks her in the eyes, but it looks like Pochi doesn't know what to do either.
We both look up at Liza.
Liza has her eyes and mouth wide open in surprise. Tama looks at Liza, and Liza nods okay.
--We can eat!
Tama takes one bite of the square.
What? What? What? Tama doesn't understand! But, it's amazing!
Pochi must be the same, because her tail is wagging.
That's right, this must be 'sweet'! A long time ago, the bear onee-san told Tama about it.
The square crumbles apart and melts away inside Tama's mouth.
Oh no!
If it melts in the mouth, it might melt in Tama's hands too.
'Sweet' and 'tasty' are going to disappear!
Tama and Pochi both shove the rest into their mouths.
And so, the food ended in an instant. The crumbs of the square are still on Tama's hands. Tama licks them up and they were sweet too.
Liza is still eating with small bites. Maybe it doesn't melt in your hands?
Pochi has a disappointed face, it looks like she was thinking the same thing as Tama.
"You two are already finished? ...I guess it can't be helped."
Tama and Pochi are still licking fingers, so Liza takes her last square and breaks it in half.
Pochi says "Thanks Liza nanodesu!" and starts eating her half.
But, is it really okay for the bigger Liza to not eat?
"Is it okay~?"
"It's fine. I can move even if I am a little hungry. It'll be more troublesome if Tama and Pochi can't move."
Can't bother Liza, so Tama takes the half square and eats it.
It's so sweet and tasty. This must be the most tasty thing ever.

◆

Unyu, so dizzy.
Tama can't keep standing, so she sits down on the ground.
Tama did her best, so it's okay right?
Eyelids, are closing. Tama can't move anymore, even if punched or kicked.
"We'll take a long rest rather than a break."
...New Master is kind.
Master gives clean water. Master gives sweet 'honey snacks'. Master praises Tama for picking up rocks. Master protects Tama from danger.
Tama is-- happy. Just like when the leopard onee-san said when holding her baby.
Tama senses something in front of her nose.
It smells good. Start sniffing it more. Tama knows this smell, this is the smell of 'meat'!
Something Tama has never tasted before gets put in her mouth. Is this 'meat'?
Tama doesn't have enough energy to open her eyes, but she still munches the thin object in her mouth.
It's better than the sweet 'honey snacks'. Tama gets a little bit more energy.
Tama opens her eyes and sees Master feeding her with a kind smile.
Liza and Pochi are enjoying it too.
Tama starts eating with her own hands.
It's not just Master. Liza and Pochi are smiling too. It's the first time seeing Liza like that.
'Meat' is tasty. It's not 'sweet', but it's still tasty. Tama doesn't know how to say it, but it's tasty.
Every bite causes the tastiness and happiness to flow through Tama's mouth.

--Yes, this must be the taste of happiness.

Tama is full of happiness now.
From now on, Tama will do her best at Master's side along with Liza and Pochi.
Because, Tama belongs with Master.