Thirty-Seven.

The elderly observed her fondly, a tiny smile on her lips.

"There's no doubt that you know what you're doing, child. You've grown quite a lot in these years."

The delicate praise made her blush. "I wish someone else had noticed", she shrugged.

Kaede slipped a hand under her arm, squeezing gently. "Some things simply don't happen the way we want them to."

The girl smiled quietly resigned. "I learned that lesson, too."

Kaede nodded – there was nothing more to say. "Go now. I will pray for an easy journey and a safe return."

With a well-mannered bow, Kagome left.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

(100 words.)