The Mori Christmas Gala by kaoruhana

Looking into Things

Prompt: Snowflakes

     “It’s snowing, it’s snowing!”  Rin and the other children gleefully stated from the orphanage’s living room window.  They turned to Ogawa-san, an old woman who was now ready to retire and not spend another day with the kids.  She looked out at the window at the snowflakes falling outside and then back at the kids. 

     “I ain’t got the time to look after all these sniveling kids.  Or the energy.  I can’t let you play out there when I don’t have the time to take care of your colds.” 

     The children’s smiles deflated almost instantly and they slowly moved away from the window to go to different parts of the house.  Before they could all disappear from the living room however, a knock was heard on the door.  Rin was one of them and she looked to Ogawa-san for guidance. 

     “Go ahead and open it.  I’ll be there in a moment.”  She nodded and opened the door as the elderly woman made her way to the living room.  “Hasegawa-san!”  She stated when she saw who was at the door.  “Come in!” 

     Hasegawa-san walked in with a smile on her face, a clipboard in her hands, and a social service worker behind her.  Ogawa-san’s eyes widened.  What was the social service doing here? 

     “I’ve heard some things about you.”  Hasegawa started before clearing her throat.  “Ogawa-san, can we talk somewhere the kids won’t hear?” 

     “Of course Haswegawa-san.” 

      An hour later, Ogawa-san and Hasegawa came back to the living room where Rin and a few kids were sitting with the other lady- a Takeda Kaede who was looking for a new job.  She was qualified, having been a daycare worker before she quit to start her party planning company, and was now the best candidate to take over Ogawa-san’s post.