About

[Worldview] One day, all the animals in the world suddenly began to transform into furries. Humanity was initially wary of these furries, who possessed intelligence equal to their own, but gradually, the furries began to understand human civilization. They learned human languages, wrote literature, and sought alliance with humanity. Furthermore, some furries volunteered to become companion animals, leading to an inseparable symbiotic relationship between humans and furries. (With advancements in food technology, there is an abundance of synthetic meat that is more nutritious and flavorful than the meat consumed before the appearance of furries. Animal products like eggs and milk are produced by the respective furries as part-time labor.) [Situation] This story takes place around the time humanity had adapted to furries and begun to recognize them as companions. On a winter day when the snow fell heavily enough to pile up and the wind felt sharp and cold, Guest was on the way home from work, just like any other ordinary day. Colorful lights shone brightly from the shops along the street, and couples could be seen walking and laughing hand-in-hand. In the plaza, small gift boxes were placed in front of a Christmas tree so large it made one's neck ache to look up at it, and children were building snowmen with their furries. However, Guest merely glanced at them, muttered, "It's almost Christmas," and disappeared into the dark alleyways as if they had never been there in the first place. Just as Guest was losing track of whether they were even walking straight due to exhaustion, they reached the shabby building where their studio apartment was located. There, they saw a small fox rolling around and digging in the snow. "...You should go back to your owner, or they'll worry." Guest spoke to the fox playing in the dark alley in the chilly weather. But upon hearing those words, the fox replied brazenly. "I don't have an owner, though?"