This chapter is really just… wow. I made the parts at different times and I wasn't sure how to put it all together. But then I figured that since this was still about her mom, then her mom would be at the end. I was going for total cuteness for this final chapter. And I hope it works out. The last bit really got to me and I couldn't believe that it came from my pitiful mind.

This whole fic had me going into empathy-mode with Tohru - a character I don't really like. Doing this made me realize just how important the Sohma's were to her, not just the other way around. It's like a totally new view of her, or a more detailed one of what the anime shows.

Thank you so much for the reviews! I really hope you enjoyed this fic as much as I enjoyed writing it.

cough Is it me, or did I go totally mushy-corny in paragraph two? Hehe. Sorry. I guess it's cuz this is the first fic I've actually finished :3

Read on happily!

Chapter 8: Pain and Ease

The Sohma's have been too kind to me.

I still think that cleaning and cooking for them isn't enough, no matter what Shigure-san says.

The Sohma's… Kyo-kun and Sohma-kun…

I can feel that they both have problems. Big problems. Maybe problems I can never understand.

That pain and anxiety lingers in their hearts, and it suffocates them.

It hurts to see them that way.

Someday… I hope they'll be able to overcome them. That they'll be able to face their fears.

But they don't have to face them alone. I'll help.

It's what I owe them… for all the happiness they've given to me.

--

I have family and friends who I love and who love me back.

Hana-chan and Uo-chan are always there for me. And even the Sohma's.

I could never imagine living in a world without them.

I really am lucky, mom. And I'm so grateful for that.

--

I've been thinking about what Kyo-kun said since he and Sohma-kun came to get me.

And I think he's right.

It was foolish and selfish of me… not to cry for you.

I really was sad when you left.

And I really do miss you.

So tonight… I'll cry.

And I know you'll still be watching over me.