the Enchanted Tea Kettle, dedicated to Alina in Canada who loves unicorns.

Hello, this is Johnna and I'm here with a lively tale from Japan.

In this green corner of Japan, surrounded by towering pine trees and chatty crows,

stands the tranquil Buddhist temple, named Morinji.

Long ago, the chief priest of Morinji was a venerable man.

He performed rituals precisely every day, adorned in elegant robes and crystal-beade rosary.

The priest had a cherished hobby, the ancient art of the tea ceremony, Chan-no-yu,

which brought him joy and peace. He owned many wonderful teacups, spoons and kettles,

and was always looking for additions to his collection. One day, when he was out for a walk,

a shopkeeper greeted him with a deep bow.

Respected priest, he began.

I have something you might find intriguing. He then presented an unusual tea kettle.

The priest instantly recognized its rarity. Enchanted, he purchased it,

and placed it with his precious tea ceremony items back at the temple.

One quiet afternoon, he sat on the soft mats, and his mind drifted to the new kettle he had bought.

Smiling, he fetched it from the cabinet. It was even more beautiful than he remembered.

He gently polished the kettle with a soft cloth, admiring its exquisite form.

As the afternoon wore on, the rhythm of polishing lulled him to sleep.

His head bobbed forward, and soon he was snoring softly.

But as he slept, something extraordinary happened.

The kettle began to tremble and shake, stretching out to reveal a furry head,

four tiny feet, and a bushy tail. In no time, it transformed into a creature resembling a cross

...