As the cheery sound of the old bell played above the door, another customer entered the small shop. All around were racks full of clothes, no two pieces alike. The clothes were all of dark reds or browns to fit the chill autumn weather.
"I'll be with you in a minute!" yelled a young girl.
The girl was in full concentration. In front of her, the making of a silk ball gown fit onto a mannequin. So far, only the full, aqua skirt was seen together.
Carefully, the busy girl placed pins on where the top would start. She fiddled with measuring tape around her neck, constantly checking the size of the waist. Blonde hair threatened to fall out of its messy bun as the girl pushed her large glasses out of the way.
"Excuse me, but is Narumi here? I need her help ASAP!" a woman asked the girl in a slight rush.
The girl placed one last pin on the skirt before facing the woman. With sad blue eyes, the girl's smile dwindled a small amount.
"I'm sorry, but she's not. Is there anything I can do for you? I'm her granddaughter, Yukiko or just Yuki!" Yuki said cheerily.
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Yuzuha Hitachiin. But when do you think she'll be back? This is urgent!" Yuzuha pleaded.
"Hitachiin? Oh my gosh! Wow, I love your work! Especially your last Summer collection;absolutely flawless!" Yuki gushed on and on.
"Yes, yes. Now, your grandmother?"
"Oh."
The atmosphere quickly turned dark. Yuki's bright smile and excitement faded. Yuzuha quickly noticed the change.
"Is something wrong?" the famous designer asked.
"Oh, no. It's just, my grandmother passed away a little less than a year ago." Yuki explained.
Yuzuha's hand flew to her mouth. Had she really not been in her favorite commoner's shop in over a year? Surely she had at least stopped by?
"Oh my, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to bring that up like that. I honestly had no idea!" said Yuzuha.
"Don't worry, it's not your fault. So what can I be of help in any way?" Yuki offered.
Yuzuha thought silently to herself, mulling over her options. Meanwhile, Yuki tended to her incomplete project. Examining the fine work, Yuzuha came up with a new idea.
"Yes, there actually is something you can help me with, Yukiko dear." Yuzuha said.
"Oh great-woah!"
Before giving it a second thought or asking for Yuki's opinion, Yuzuha pulled her out the door. Yuzuha quickly flipped the door sign to 'CLOSED' before filing into her limo with the objective girl.
"You'll be of great help!"