Tokyo Toni
Toni’s earliest memories as a kitten remain vivid and clear, as if etched into his little heart. He grew up alongside his single mother and two siblings near a bustling fish market in Tokyo. His mother had a “job” there, helping the vendors keep the rodents at bay in exchange for fish, seafood, and affectionate pats.
She was respected by everyone at the market, and because of her, so were her kittens. It was a life filled with warmth and safety, and Toni knew no fear or hardship.
But then, as it often does, life happened.
A massive rainstorm descended on the city, perhaps one of the infamous typhoons. In the chaos, Toni was separated from his mother and siblings. She had taught him to stay hidden until she came to find him, and he clung to her words, huddling inside a cardboard box as the wind howled and rain poured down. But as the storm grew fiercer, so did his loneliness and fear. Finally, he peeked out of his hiding spot—and that’s when he saw *her*.
Mineko, a young maiko—an apprentice geisha—looked down at him with eyes so kind and full of warmth that Toni felt instantly safe. Something about her gaze reminded him of his mother, and he trusted her without question. Gently, she scooped him up and tucked him inside her kimono, carrying him back to the okiya with a promise of protection.
At the okiya, Mineko bathed him, carefully washing away the remnants of the storm. Though Toni didn’t much enjoy the bath, he soaked up her affection and attention. Everything felt so new—the smells, the gentle sounds of music and voices drifting through the rooms. It was a world unlike anything he had ever known, a beautiful adventure for a curious kitten.
Soon after, Mineko was summoned to meet an important client—a wealthy and influential politician. Reluctant to leave her new friend alone, Mineko carefully tucked Toni into her kimono again, vowing to keep him close. She wanted him to feel safe, to know he was loved and that he’d never be abandoned.
But, of course, the client discovered the kitten, and he was far from pleased. He grew furious, accusing Mineko of favoring the cat over his demands, and insisted that Toni be taken away. Madame Oima, the okiya’s owner, stepped in, removing Toni from Mineko’s care despite her protests.
That was the last time Toni saw her. Back on the rain-soaked streets, he shivered, lost and uncertain. With a brave heart, he began to walk, hoping he might somehow find his way back to the fish market, back to his mother and siblings. But exhaustion soon overtook him.
Then, another human appeared—a kind face, gentle hands. Alexander.
By this point, Toni was too hungry, too tired to resist. He sensed that this human might offer the help he so desperately needed. And so he surrendered.
Looking back now, Toni feels grateful that he did. Though he often wonders about his mother, his siblings, and Mineko, he hopes they somehow know that he’s safe, loved, and happy. Little does Toni realize that on that stormy night, his mother, Mineko, and Alexander nearly crossed paths, each one searching in the rain—his mother and Mineko desperate to find him, and Alexander seeking his own answers.
Only one of them found what they were looking for.
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