(Old Memories)

*May 5th, 1941*

*3:25 pm*

*11 days until festival*

The school bell had rung after a long day of school as Anya and her friends were walking out of the school building as they discussed the upcoming festival that was set to begin in eleven days.

"So all we need is to buy some more supplies for when we help out on saturday, right? Doesn't sound too bad or anything" Charlotte had spoken to her friends as her words were met with nods of agreement.

"I have to agree with you and we can check out the department store that used to be my mother, aunties and uncle's shop before it was sold seven years ago" Anya had suggested to Charlotte and the rest of her friends as this sparked interest in Mai as she began to speak.

"Your mother used to own a shop alongside her siblings? That's wonderful to know but what happened to the shop?" Mai had asked her friend in a polite tone of voice as she and her friends began to walk towards her destination while she waited for a response.

"Yup, It was called the OTMA shop and the place served breakfast and lunch which were prepared by my mother and aunties but my Aunt Olga had to close down due to money issues but at least everyone had fun but it's okay" Anya had answered back as her response as met with Mai nodding her head in understandment.

"I see, I'm glad that your family was happy while it lasted but what's everyone doing now?" Mai had asked Anya in a tone of curiosity.

"I'm glad as well and my aunts and uncle are still living out here with the expectation of my Aunt Maria and Uncle Bartok who lives somewhere in the countryside but everyone is living their dream" Anya had answered back with a smile on her face in which was followed with Mai smiling back as the girls continued to make their way towards their destination.

"Do you remember the shop or were you too young?" Nancy had asked her friend while she waited for her answer in a tone of curiosity.

"Not really, I was too young but everyone did managed to make and save enough money for my Aunt Maria and Uncle Bartok to move somewhere peaceful but other than that, It was truly a happy yet bittersweet close to a wonderful chapter" Anya had answered back in a warm tone of voice as her words made Nancy smile back.

"I'm glad to hear that…" Nancy had spoken back with a smile on her face as the girls continued to walk towards their destination.

*Ben's Store*

*4:25pm*

The girls had finally arrived at their destination as the former OTMA shop looked rather Victorian as the sign had the store's name on it.

"So that's what my mother's shop looks like now, It probably still has the smell of my mother and auntie's wonderful cooking" Anya had spoken to herself as she and her friends entered the store to look around and gather the products that they need as the girls were surrounded by many supplies such as paper, scissors, and other such necessities for projects.

"Good Afternoon, I hope this place can be of good service for you ladies and don't be afraid to ask me any questions, okay?" Ben, The Store Owner had called out to the girls as he was met with nods of understandment from the girls.

"Wow, It seems that the kitchen is now a storage room, Crazy how much this place has changed…" Anya had spoken softly to herself as she continued to look around to get the supplies that she needed until she came across a photo in which piqued her interest as she walked towards the photo and grabbed it.

"I remember this picture, It was twenty one years ago when my mother threw a birthday party for Kaede, I'm sure it has wonderful and filled with many good memories" Anya had thought to herself as she gently placed the photo down with a smile on her face as she suddenly heard a voice calling out to her.

"Friend, Anything okay? You're awfully quiet today." Charlotte had asked her friend in a tone of concern as she waited for a response.

"I'm doing okay, Just thinking about my family since this was the place that their restaurant stood before they had to close it" Anya had answered back with a small smile on her face as she quickly felt Charlotte's warm hands touching hers which caused Anya to feel a sense of comfort.

"Please don't dwell on it too much, I'm sure that your mother, aunties, and uncles had a wonderful time creating wonderful food and everything else to make people happy but sadly, not everything lasts forever however, It's the memories and wonderful moments that truly make things up…" Charlotte had spoken to Anya in a comforting tone of voice as her words made her friend feel somewhat at peace.

"Thank you, my good friend, It's just that it was their dream and it was ruined pretty quickly but I should definitely think about the good that came out of it but I truly thank you for your kind words, You're one of the best friends that anyone could ask for…" Anya had spoken back to Charlotte as she continued to express her thanks and gratitude.

"You're welcome, That's what good friends are here for but let's prepare for the festival for now, okay?" Charlotte had advised her friend as she was met with a nod of agreement from Anya which made her smile with joy.

"I will!" Anya had simply answered back in a joyful tone of voice as everything was seen by Nancy and Mai who were paying for the supplies.

"Do you guys still need more time? We already got the supplies and everything else but we don't mind waiting for the both of you" Nancy had asked Anya and Charlotte as she was met with a thumbs up from the pair.

"Don't worry, we're ready to go. I just had to talk to Anya about some things but we're doing good!" Charlotte had answered back with a smile on her face as she turned over to see Anya who was also in good spirits as well.

"Ready? Let's start preparing for the festival that's in two weeks!" Anya had spoken to her friend in a joyful tone of voice as she was met with a nod of agreement from Charlotte.

"I'm glad to see you happy and by the way, I love you, Anya. I truly love you from the bottom of my heart since you're my wonderful friend!" Charlotte had spoken back to Anya as she had a warm smile on her face.

"Awww, I love you too as well, my good friend…" Anya had spoken back as she and Charlotte thanked the store owner for their time as the two girls followed their friends as Anya was more excited for the upcoming festival more than ever.