[Tatsumi leans down to look at him, a bit bewildered.]

You were afraid of them, so I couldn't let you be found. A pet's instincts are far greater than a mere human's, and this place is a sanctuary. I did what was right.

[He sounds so confident in what he's saying that it's probably hard to reconcile it with the way he fumbled earlier. He does notably move his leg away from Mayoi cautiously, however.]

Do you want to talk about it? I'm... not able to hear confessions, but I will lend you an ear in addition to a warm place to sleep, if you'll let me.