The Merry and the Miffed by Stella Mira

Silly Child!

December 2013 Challenge: Ornaments

Word Count: 400

"Mama, I'm home!" Kagome shouted once she stepped foot into the house, voice tinged with exhaustion. Taking off her shoes at the entrance, she put on some fuzzy, comfortable slippers, and headed towards the kitchen where her mother would undoubtedly be at this time of the day.

"Welcome back, dear. How are the preparations going?" her mother welcomed her with a warm smile, motioning for her to take a seat at the table while she finished washing the plates.

"Inuyasha ate Mr. Gingerbread and his house! I slaved for a whole day to make them!" the miko complained with a sullen, almost pouting, nuance, jaw propped on her hands and eyes stormy.

"Well, sweets are meant to be eaten. I'm sure Mr. Gingerbread is in a better place," her mother cajoled, gracing her with a sympathetic glance as she wiped her hands with a cloth.

"Yeah, in that idiot's stomach!" Kagome snorted, aggravated beyond reason, yet the look her mother gave her next told her to be mature about it. Exhaling a long suffered sigh, she decided to let it go since she had already punished the idiot for his misconduct. Besides, Kagome had more important matters to discuss with her mother than the unfortunate demise of Mr. Gingerbread.

"Um, I need to ask for a favor, mama," the dark haired miko confessed sheepishly, relying on her mother's kind nature.

"What is it?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, gazing at her daughter with curiosity. Kagome rarely requested favors, not wishing to burden her family because she knew their finances were tight.

"You see, there is a little girl, and she needs warm clothes, but I already spent most of the money grandpa gave me on Christmas supplies," Kagome murmured, feeling guilty for being frivolous with her holiday's allowance, and mentally chastising herself for being charmed by all the colorful trinkets and ornaments on the shop windows.

"Of course, honey. I'll go get my purse and I'll drive you to the mall," her mother laughed softly, shaking her head at her daughter's timidity and selflessness. She should have known Kagome would only ever dare to ask for such a favor on someone else's behalf.

Silly child, always worrying about others, she mused with an internal sigh, squeezing her daughter in a tight hug.

"Thanks, mama, you're the best!" Kagome squealed in utter joy, her words muffled, returning the fervent hug and giggling happily.