Thirty Kisses Theme 06 - The Space Between Dream and Reality

By the time Yuugao was seven she knew that Santa Claus wasn't real, and neither was the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. Her parents bought the presents and stuck them under the tree when she was asleep. They also did the same thing with colorful eggs and money. She also knew that there was no such thing as a knight in shining armor, nor were there moon princesses and magical fish that granted wishes when set free. However, she thought these stories were still very entertaining, and read fairy tales to herself and sometimes others.

"Three months passed quickly away, and in that time the bamboo child had, wonderful to say, become a full-grown girl, so her foster- parents did up her hair and dressed her in beautiful kimonos." Yuugao read, the book nestled in her lap. The title 'The Bamboo Cutter and the Moon-Child' was partially hidden by her knee.

"How did she get from three inches high to full grown in three months?" Hayate piped up, sitting in front of her and listening attentively. The boy was visiting her house for the day, and Yuugao had decided to read her book to him after being shocked that he had never heard the popular story before.

"She just did." Yuugao said matter of factly, turning the page and continuing to read. Hayate however, seemed determined to interrupt her with comments about why the story couldn't possibly be true. Finally, Yuugao set the book down with a little huff.

"Hayate, it's just a story. We both know it's not true! You're supposed to pretend!" The young boy of eight crossed his arms in front of his chest and made a pout.

"But fairy tales are for girls!" He said, sticking out his bottom lip. "All they have is mushy stuff and love and kissing. Yuck!" Yuugao sighed. How characteristic of a boy. Standing, she set the book down on her dresser and headed over to a trunk at the foot of the bed. Hayate's curiosity overcame him and he peaked over his friend's shoulder only to be met with a pile of frumpy and lacy clothing.

"What's that?" He asked, pulling away as Yuugao began sifting through the clothes, throwing out a couple garments with enough force to require dodging.

"Well, since the fairy tales are so girly, we're going to play dress up." Yuugao came up with a garish purple and pink kimono and tossed it at Hayate, who caught it out of instinct. "You can be the princess."