"Has she been like this since—"
"Hnn."
"But," Kagome looked down at the grown woman in her arms, "she seemed better when you left with her."
"She does not recognize me," he said, avoiding her gaze, "or anyone else. Save you."
His mother cupped Kagome's face, turning her head side to side, a frown tugging at her lips. Realizing what she was looking for, Kagome held up the ribbon, giving her a soft smile.
Dirty, delicate hands grabbed hold of it, and Kagome led her towards the spring, not bothering to remove their clothes as she coaxed her into the water.
"Let me do your hair this time, okay?"