[Book Sip] The Pain of Parting... People Ordering Memory Meals at the Cat Restaurant

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire content of a book, while others instantly resonate with the reader’s heart, creating a connection with the book. We excerpt and introduce such meaningful sentences from books.

This is a healing fantasy novel by a Japanese bestseller author who has gathered 500,000 readers. It is set in a mysterious cat restaurant where ordering a nostalgic meal allows you to meet a beloved soul. The story warmly depicts the process of healing pain and wounds through reminiscing memories with the deceased via nostalgic meals: a woman who receives both a terminal diagnosis and a marriage proposal, the comeback of a 20-year recluse, a concert filled with memories of a mother, and the story of a son lost early in an accident. The author emphasizes that the longing for loved ones, inner wounds, and past regrets are ultimately part of life’s journey, reminding us of the meaning and preciousness of life.

Thinking about death made my body tremble.

I’m scared.

I don’t want to die.

I want to run away, but there’s nowhere I can go. Death follows wherever I go. Every second that passes, it comes closer.

Probably, the only person who can save me from this agony is my mother. I wanted to meet my mother who has passed away and talk to her. - p.16

“Is someone coming?”

As if answering Nagi’s question, the door of the cat restaurant opened. Thick fog had settled, making it impossible to see outside. It was as if we were inside a cloud, surrounded by dense mist. Beyond that fog, a woman appeared. She was hazy and her face was not visible. She stopped as if checking the restaurant, then entered the cat restaurant. Nagi was speechless. While silently watching, the shadow came closer to Nagi’s table. Then she spoke.

“It’s been a long time.”

At that moment, the shadow’s face became visible. A familiar voice, a familiar face. - p.57

“I didn’t do anything wrong, right? It was right to do so, wasn’t it? Breaking up was the right answer, wasn’t it?”

But Mom did not nod. She flatly denied Nagi’s words.

“No, you’re thinking wrong.”

It was shocking. Nagi never expected Mom to say that.

“...Why?”

“Why? Because you’re sad now, aren’t you? The truth is, you didn’t want to break up, right?”

“Ha, but I... I only have five years left to live. I’m going to die in five years. Even if I get married, I’ll die soon.” - p.60

Five years?the same as Nagi’s remaining lifespan. The time spent with Mom. Nagi had never thought about it, being consumed by her own worries.

“It was only five years, but I was happy to be with you, and I was glad you were born.”

“Even though you would be dead in five years?”

When asked again, Mom smiled and answered like this.

“Happiness has nothing to do with the length of time. Because the five years we spent together were happier than the fifty years without you.” - p.62

“Nagi...”

He called her name. Her heart beat louder and her cheeks flushed. She was happy. To become even happier, Nagi shouted with all her might.

“I truly love you! Please marry me!”

I will go on a journey. With Toshiya. I will no longer give up. I will no longer run away. I will not run away from this cruel world, and will keep walking until the very last moment. - p.79

Cat Restaurant, Cooking Happiness | Written by Takahashi Yuta | Translated by Yoon Eun-hye | Binpage | 320 pages | 14,000 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.