[ If he bothers to risk a glance around the island, Ash's back is to him. He's on his hunches in front of the food, the scoop sitting atop. One arm is holding Kuro, the other stroking him. ]

Sorry. I don't want to.

[ Does Kuro know that? Can he understand it? ]

I didn't plan to during the adoption. You haven't been bad. You're a great kitten. I'll miss you, but it's going to feel really good knowing you're in a good place.