Sally told Charo that Japan is to the west of America.
Since then, Charo kept thinking about it.
If he went westward, would he really be able to reach Japan?
"Good morning, Margherita!"
"Hey, Charo! How are you today? You came alone? Where's Dread?"
"I don't know. He was already gone when I woke up this morning."
"Strange. It's not really like him to... Oh well."
"Margherita, did you know that Japan is to west of America?"
"Huh, is that so? Well, it seems you haven't given up your dream after all."
"えっ"
"You see, Charo, I don't know how to put this but it's a pretty wild dream. I mean, you've already made many friends here. I was starting to think that you're going to stay."
"Mmm, I like my new friends, but I want to go back. I need to go back."
"Sure. Yeah, I understand. Okay then, Charo, let me show you something."
Margherita let Charo to a map that was put up on the wall.
"Look. This is the map of the United States."
"へぇ"
"Here's New York and here is a very big city called Chicago. If you really
want to travel west, you might want to start from there."
"I have a friend who has moved to Chicago. Maybe she can help you out."
"You have many friends!"
"She's a cat friend, actually."
"A cat?"
"Yes. She used to live around here. Her owner, Amy, wanted to become writer.
She was very shy, a bit strange, but Louisa, my cat friend, was really fun
to hang around with."
"Louisa."
"Maybe she can tell you the best way to get back to Japan."
"She can?"
"Probably. You see, she has this strange power. She can look into the future. And her words often turn out to be true."
"へぇ"
"Go and find her. Tell her my name and she'll be good to you. I think she lives in Chinatown now."
"Thank you, Margherita."
Then came Catherine and Sirius.
"Hi there, what are you guys up to?"
"Uh, Sirius, have you ever been to Chicago before?"
"Now that's a sudden question."
"Japan is to the west of America. So, I will first go to Chicago. And then
more to the west."
"You're still thinking of going back? That's ridiculous. You know you cannot do that."
"Watch it, Sirius. You have no right to laugh at other dogs' dreams."
"Oh, excuse me. But it's really so unrealistic."
His words cut like a knife, but they were true.
However, Charo quietly responded.
"Then, what would you do if you were separated from Catherine?"
"What?"
"You would go back to her, no? Even if she was far away."
"Well, of course. But..."
"I will go back. I will never give up."
"Ooh, Charo."
"Shota took me in when I was dying. He trusted me and loved me. We are family. That's why I have to go back."
Saying this much, Charo turned around and walked out of the restaurant.
Margherita was moved by Charo's words, and Sirius, well, even Sirius seemed to be moved, too.
Meanwhile Dread was stumbling through an alley near his nest, with a groan, he threw up.
He seemed to be sick.
"Oh, Charo."
"You are back. I was waiting for you. I want to tell you something."
"What?"
"Candy is going to Chicago tomorrow. I want to go with her."
"Why Chicago?"
"Chicago is to the west. It's closer to Japan. What do you think?"
"Huh, well, why not? Make your dream come true."
"Yes. I will. Thank you, Dread."
Charo felt good about himself and smiled.
Dread was smiling, too.
Very unusual, but yes, he was smiling quietly at Charo.
