Pathway to Japanese Literature
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| Original Title | ねずみと猫 |
|---|---|
| Author | 寺田 寅彦 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a quiet household, a meticulous homeowner’s battle against relentless mice unfolds. Despite rigorous precautions during construction, the pests infiltrate ceilings and closets, gnawing books and disrupting peace. Frustrated by failed traps and repellents—each attempt marred by gruesome outcomes or apathetic housemaids—the narrator reluctantly considers a feline solution. Enter two stray kittens: a refined calico and a boisterous tiger-striped tom. Their arrival sparks unexpected shifts—the calico’s delicate charm softens even the most resistant family members, while the tom’s voracious antics test patience. Yet together, they silence the ceaseless skittering above. Through sleepless nights and playful days, the cats’ quirks blur lines between pest control and companionship, revealing tender absurdities in human-animal bonds. As autumn deepens, moonlit vigils hint at mysteries beyond mere mousing—whispers of wild instincts and unspoken kinship. A contemplative tale of coexistence, where vermin become mirrors for life’s fragility and the quiet magic of sharing a home with creatures as enigmatic as they are indispensable. |
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