The Painter of Cats - Part Three

Kihachi kept walking until his legs were sore. It was dark when he came upon a deserted temple.

Kihachi saw dust and cobwebs everywhere and wondered why no one had cleaned it.

A second later Kihachi decided that he would clean the temple. He guessed that the temple disciples had gone out and they would be very happy with him if he kept the place clean when they got back.

Soon the temple was clean and gleaming.

Kihachi rested after his work was done and there he saw a large screen inside the place. Naturally Kihachi picked out his drawing kit and started drawing cats on the screen.

Kihachi was lost in his paintings and did not know that it was dark outside.

However, when Kihachi sat back, he was shocked to find that he was the only one in the huge temple. He was scared because his footsteps and breath were the only thing that could be heard anywhere. 

In his anxiety, Kihachi remembered the parting words of the priest - ‘Not to take shelter in a huge place’.

Kihachi realized that the temple was a huge place and he looked around for a smaller place to rest for the night. 

In the walls of the temple, he found a small recess and slipped into it.

There was just enough space inside it for Kihachi to sleep.

Kihachi was grateful for it and went to sleep there.

Adapted from Japanese Folktales