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When I opened my eyes and saw the flood of purple and yellow, I knew it was different than from my dreams. The petals brushing against my fur felt more tangible. The perfume of the flowers tickled my nose in a way it hadn’t since the first time. There was a warmth to the sun’s rays, like sitting on the boxy TV.
I heard the comforting rustling of Satoru coming my way, smelled his healthy smell. And then he was there, above me like the sun.
“Nana, you’ve made it.” So my suspicions were correct, I’ve made that last Earthbound journey.
"Of course I made it, I told you I would."
“Yes, you did, didn’t you? And now we’ll go on a trip together again.”
"That was always the plan, Satoru. What are we waiting for?"
Satoru laughed and his strong hands wrapped around my middle. I allowed myself to be held against his chest as we both looked out to the horizon. In the distance, I think I see something besides flowers.
“How is Noriko and Calico? And the others?” So much could be said, and there was plenty of time to do so now, but I could give him the base updates.
"Calico has become quite the fine cat. She’s almost in my own league for hunting. And Noriko is a full-fledged cat fanatic, now. She wrangled the two of us to Kosuke’s photo studio, where we all met their silver mackerel tabby. We even went to Sugi’s place again; while Noriko hiked, Calico tried hogging the boxy TV but I wouldn’t let her. The Sugi’s girl is much bigger now, she didn’t pull my tail at all, and Toramaru is much better than he was when we met him together."
“Did Noriko know you were coming to me?”
"Yes. She’s spent the last week taking care of me like she took care of you. We drove around in the van, we saw the Ash trees and all the shades of red you taught me. She gave me as much toro as I could eat, even though I couldn’t eat much."
Satoru smiled. “I would’ve done the same, even if I’m bad at sharing the toro.”
"I know you would have, Satoru. And that’s why I’m your cat."
“Yes, because you’re my cat. And I’m your person.” He began walking in the direction of something besides the flowers, and while I couldn’t see what would be waiting for us, it didn’t really matter. Satoru had been there before, and now we’d be going together.
And just being in his arms again was enough for me, even if we stayed right here forever.