Ch. 5: Call My Name
I suggested we go into town to search for clues to Toto’s lost memory.
We arrived at the town, and Toto was in high spirits from the walk…
But when I walked next to him, for some reason he would move one step behind.
OO: “…”
Toto: “What’s wrong?”
OO: “Um, if you don’t walk in front of me, I won’t know which way to go.”
Toto: “Ah! Right… Then, I’ll walk in front.”
Toto said so and took several steps ahead, then turned to look at me over his shoulder.
(I wonder what’s wrong…?)
I thought Toto was acting strange when…
Toto: “You know. Just now, I did exactly as you said right…? And I’ll do my best to guide you…so, if I do a good job, I’d like for you to tell me. And…I want you to say my name…”
As soon as he said it, I realized I hadn’t once said his name.
OO: “Ah, yeah. Um…Toto?”
Toto: “Yes!”
Toto smiled broadly at me and answered with enthusiasm.
So with Toto in front, we continued to go forward.
But not even a few minutes had passed when…
Toto: “…are you still behind me?”
OO: “Yeah, I’m right here.”
Toto: “Oh good…”
It was like Toto was a dog on a walk, making sure his master was still behind him, and he kept looking back at me anxiously.
(I wonder if he’s worried I’ll disappear…? Either way, this is the only way to find out anything about his lost memory…)
After that, Toto and I had the same exchange countless times as we walked…
It troubled me as to why.
Ch. 6: Beloved Master
Toto and I arrived at the town to search for a clue to Toto’s lost memories…
Toto walked a half-step in front, and looked incredibly uneasy as he kept looking over his shoulder at me.
(This isn’t good… I really don’t think we’ll be able to find out anything about his memories like this…)
While I was absorbed in my troubles, Toto led the way as we walked down a yellow brick road.
And then…
Toto: “H-huh?”
Toto should have been leading the way through the town, but as the sun was setting, we had somehow come to a quiet forest.
(D-did Toto take the wrong road? But…)
There was a crystal clear lake amidst the abundant greenery, all beneath the sky that was ablaze with twilight.
It was a beauty that could cleanse the soul.
Toto: “…um…”
Suddenly, Toto’s voice sounded depressed as he spoke.
Toto: “I couldn’t do it… I couldn’t lead you through the town the right way…I’m sorry. Will you not be my owner now…?”
Toto hung his head dejectedly and looked as if he was about to cry.
OO: “…Toto, don’t be so hard on yourself. And…I’m sorry. For leaving everything to you.”
I apologized to the dejected Toto and his head shot up.
Toto: “You didn’t do anything wrong! I just couldn’t do it right…”
OO: “No, that’s not it. And even though you say you couldn’t do it… This forest is beautiful. I’m glad you brought us here.”
Toto: “What? …really…?”
OO: “Yeah!”
Finally, Toto smiled in relief…
Toto: “Then I’ll show you around the forest! It’s really pretty, so I’m sure you’ll like it!”
Saying so, Toto walked a half-step in front as he guided me through the twilight forest.
…
……
We were in the forest until the sun had set, then returned to town.
Toto: “…ah, that’s right! Hey, there’s a bench over there. You should take a break. I did good showing you around this time, right?”
As if asking for something, Toto peered into my face.
OO: “Yeah. It was a very good walk.”
Toto: “Yeah!”
Toto could barely contain himself as I readily agreed, and he guided me to the bench.
However…
OO: “Um, Toto…?”
Toto didn’t sit on the bench…
For some reason, Toto looked up at as he knelt on the ground.
Toto: “…? Hey, why do you look shocked?”
Toto tilted his head slightly.
OO: “Eh? Ah…oh, right. I was just thinking your knees will get dirty kneeling on the ground. So won’t you sit on the bench too?”
Toto: “I like it better here!”
OO: “R-really…?”
He spoke so happily and plainly that I couldn’t say anything else.
(I wonder…if this makes Toto happy.)
Toto: “…? What’s wrong?”
OO: “…Toto, your master…what do you want your owner to do?”
Toto: “Huh? U-um, what’s with that all of a sudden…?”
OO: “Yeah, I didn’t really explain myself. I just want you to act naturally, like you are now. In order for you to do that, I suppose you need a master, but… I was wondering if there’s something I could do, even if I’m not your master.”
Toto: “…”
He thought about it for a minute before speaking quietly.
Toto: “Um…I want you to scold me if I do something bad… And, if I do something good, I want you to praise me a lot! And……I want you to always…be with me…”
OO: “Okay…”
Toto: “… …are you sure you won’t…be my master? It’s pointless if it’s not you…”
OO: “Toto…can’t you be with someone who isn’t your master?”
I tried to console Toto, but he shook his head stubbornly and seemed about to cry.
(To Toto, his master really is an incredibly special person.)
It ripped at my heart as I looked down at the sorrowful Toto.
Toto: “I … don’t wanna be alone anymore. I want to always be with my beloved master… so…”
OO: “…? Toto!?”
The kneeling Toto suddenly grabbed my foot.
Toto: “…OO, be my master…”
He pleaded, rubbing his cheek on my shoe.
Toto: “Please? You will, right…?”
OO: “Toto…”
Before I knew what I was doing, I gave a small nod.
Toto: “…I’m happy…Master. I’ll always be yours alone…”
Toto’s lovely profile was illuminated by the bewitching moonlight.
In that instant, I looked at Toto, his expression enraptured as he rubbed his cheek on my shoe.
An indescribable and curious affection bloomed in my heart.
END