Years

Keiko had dropped out of contact with Yukina and the Kuwabaras years ago. She set out to drop off the face of the earth, and nearly succeeded.

But as Yusuke walked up the front path, and saw the familiar figure sitting in her rocking chair, cradling Puu like a beloved doll, he felt it was worth it. He didn't think of the new guilt: He had forgotten her until Botan accused him of being neglectful.

He was up to her now, and knelt, and smiled nervously. "Sorry, Keiko."

Terrified, disbelieving eyes latched onto him. "No," she sighed. "Not this time."