What does Nakata claim is the only joy in life?

• A. the company of dogs
• B. the friendship of humans
• C. the silence of nature
• D. the company of cats

Answer: (D)

Nakata’s outlook centers on his deep, uncomplicated bond with cats. He can understand and communicate with them in a way others can’t, and their presence gives him a sense of companionship, safety, and meaning that feels more reliable than interactions with people. When he says that the company of cats is the only joy in life, he’s expressing how this feline connection stands apart from everything else—human relationships, quiet moments in nature, or any other source of happiness. The story repeatedly leans on his ability to relate to cats and to receive their trust and affection, underscoring that this bond is what truly sustains him. In contrast, the other options don’t align with his lived experience or what the text emphasizes about his inner world. So the choice that matches his reality and voice is the company of cats.