Time spent with cats is never wasted

The big day has finally arrived! In just a few hours, the online auction will begin. For days, the entire staff has been categorizing all the items, researching their value, and setting up the online auction platform with Hikaru. Under Satoru's supervision, Rika, Yuki, and I photographed each item, wrote the descriptions, and set the starting bids to the best of our abilities. In the meantime, Yuki got in touch with Hina, and she promoted the auction on social media, causing quite a stir on the internet.

After the animals had been fed and taken care of, it was time to officially start the big event. We all gathered in the staff room while Satoru was anxiously awaiting the auction to start. I can tell his expectations were high; he had spent many years taking care of the animals, and he wanted to continue helping them for as long as possible. When you're a non-profit organization, every single donation matters. Satoru was now walking back and forth, hands behind his back, waiting for the auction to begin.

"You're going to make a hole in the floor if you don't stop walking like that!" his wife Keiko laughed, attempting to lift his spirits.

"You're right, dear! I'm sorry about that; I'm just a little nervous," he apologized, taking off his glasses and wiping the lenses with a handkerchief.

"Everything is going to be fine! We promise!" Hikaru said this while setting up his laptop next to Satoru and his wife. To reassure the couple, he went over every single detail with them again, from the site layout to the items that were up for auction: we had a few rare collectibles, vintage toys, costumes, dog clothes, and paintings.

It was now 11 a.m., and the auction had officially started. We all gathered around Hikaru's laptop, anticipating the first bid. And to our surprise, one of Rika's dog costumes was the first item to be bid on. So far, so good! Our excitement was growing with each new bid. Hikaru wasn't kidding when he promised us the site wouldn't crash!

"The numbers are going up!" Satoru was ecstatic.

"Yes, they are!" Hikaru chuckled, his eyes glued to the screen.

Satoru watched in awe as the bids continued to pour in. Rika decided to check out our social media page to see people's reactions. She let out a scream when she saw that Hina posted a screenshot of one of her own creations; it was a green dinosaur dog costume. It seems Hina bid and won the auction. "Kuuki will love this"—that's what she wrote in the caption. "I can't believe it! Oh my god! I'm not dreaming, am I? Hikaru, pinch me!" She said this while bouncing around the room. Hikaru laughed and congratulated her.

"Now I have to message Hina and tell her who the designer is!" Yuki said with a smirk as she was tapping her phone.

"You'll do that for me? I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle it! I might explode from all of this happiness!" Rika said, covering her eyes.

The minutes flew by, and Yuki's painting of Michi sparked a bidding war. Our eyes were glued to the screen as we monitored each bid. She was speechless, and I was extremely proud of her and hoped for a big number. The painting eventually sold for a price that far exceeded our expectations. Everyone cheered and congratulated her! Despite this, I noticed the tears in her eyes, so I went and hugged Yuki.

"I know it was difficult for you, but you did well! I'm so proud of you!" I whispered to her.

"Thank you; I'm so happy!" Yuki remained in my arms, but this time she started crying.

"I understand; let it all out! I'm here for you!" I hugged her even harder and caressed her hair.

"This was my goodbye gift for Michi," she whispered to me.

"I'm sure Michi, wherever he is, is proud of you also!" And the money you've earned will go towards helping many more kitties in the future!" I whispered back to her. She looked at me and nodded.

By the end of the day, the auction had raised enough money to keep the shelter running for at least another year. We were tired but very proud of ourselves. And Satoru was overwhelmed with gratitude. He thanked us for our efforts and commitment. We were very happy for him, and we promised to help the shelter next year as well.

"The outcome of today's auction has nothing to do with what I'm about to tell you," Satoru explained as he turned to face us. The entire staff was also present, and they were listening quietly." I've talked with my family, and I've made an important decision. I've been thinking a lot about the future of this shelter. I'm not getting any younger, and I want to ensure that these animals are taken care of when my wife and I are gone." He said this while glancing at Yuki." My children and grandchildren are currently living in another country. They've built their lives there, and I don't want to get in their way. I've talked with them, and they approved of my decision," he continued.

"So, Yuki," he said, turning to face her. "I consider you a part of my family, and I've witnessed your love for these animals. Especially for the cats," he laughed. "For many years, you've shown more dedication and compassion than anyone I've ever met. Especially at such a young age. And that's why my wife and I have decided to leave the shelter to you when we retire," Satoru said with a smile. Yuki's eyes widened as she placed her palms on her lips.

"Thank you!" Yuki spoke loudly; her voice was slightly shaky. "I can't express in words how much this means to me! I'll be more than honored to continue caring for these animals for as long as I can." Yuki's eyes welled up with tears. She bowed in front of Satoru and his wife, and when she regained her composure, she rushed straight to them and hugged them both.

"And I promise I'll take care of ALL the animals, not just the cats!" She laughed and wiped her tears away.

"I'm sure you will, Yuki! We have no doubt about it!" Keiko said this while lovingly staring at Yuki.

"I know there will be many obstacles in the future, but as long as I have my friends and Akio by my side, I feel like I can do anything! The way we constantly motivate each other to grow as people is beautiful, and I believe that is what life is all about." She smiled, and I reciprocated.

"Like how Akio battled his fear of cats and never gave up on this wonderful place, no matter how hard things got for him, that's how I wish to continue the tradition and make Tiny Paws & Friendly Claws the best animal shelter there can be." Yuki said proudly.

"And hopefully, one day, there will not be any use for this place anymore because every animal will be cared for and not abandoned," she ended her speech. Satoru began clapping, and we all joined in. Yuki started blushing, and Rika rushed to hug her.

"This wonderful speech calls for a Four Leaf Clovers group hug!" Rika said. Hikaru and I quickly joined them.

"Let's stay together forever! Promise me that no matter where life takes us, we'll always be best friends!" Rika stated, her voice shaking.

"We promise!" we all shouted at the same time.