It was another ordinary day within the grocery store. Almost ordinary.
Michiru's eyes were wide another time the minute Hotaru walked by the sweets section. She blinked repeatedly. Her eyes were on the latter's frown.
Hotaru usually viewed every sweet and begged Michiru to buy them all. She frowned. *Poor Hotaru* she thought.
Michiru remembered appearing with the stuffed firefly a week ago. Holding it behind her back. Viewing curiosity in Hotaru's wide eyes. Revealing the firefly. The sight of Hotaru's smile. Hotaru holding the firefly and her smile remaining. The latter focusing on the firefly's happy expression and big eyes.
After the memory, Michiru placed vegetables and a variety of food in a cart. Frowning, she turned to Hotaru at a snail's pace. She wouldn't have been shocked if Hotaru dreaded dogs from that moment on. Nightmares consisting of the dog's fangs. Her toy being ripped to shreds. She had to cheer Hotaru up.
Michiru found herself in the toy section. Another glance at Hotaru. The same frown. Michiru's frown remained before she turned to dolls, stuffed animals, etc. Her eyes widened again the minute she saw another stuffed firefly. The same happy expression. The same wings.
There was a new smile. Michiru took the firefly and placed it in the cart. She watched while Hotaru walked ahead. ''Please remain with me, Hotaru,'' she said. She viewed Hotaru pausing. Michiru never forgot about the firefly. Another nice present for Hotaru. The smile remained.
After buying groceries, Michiru and Hotaru carried bags. They stepped out of the store.
Worry formed in Hotaru's eyes another time.
Michiru continued to smile. ''I'm certain the dog won't appear again,'' she said. She and Hotaru walked with caution. After returning home, they placed the groceries where they belonged. The firefly remained in a bag. It was removed and placed behind Michiru's back.
The firefly was revealed in front of Hotaru. Her eyes became wide for another reason. A new smile appeared. Hotaru took the firefly and held it.
She wrapped her arms around a happy Michiru. She continued to hold the firefly.
A toy was easy to replace. There was one Michiru.
THE END