Mama is quiet. She leans back in her chair, looking down at her own tea as Kagome finishes explaining how things have changed.

"I thought," Mama starts carefully, "that you meant Inuyasha. Or maybe that Kouga."

Kagome's eyes widen, and she shakes her head. "I couldn't be with Kouga. He's dear to me but…no. And Inuyasha and I don't feel that way anymore." She meets her mother's eyes meaningfully. "We haven't for years now."

"I see."

They both fall silent then, and Kagome tries not to feel small and childish under her mother's contemplation.

She swallows. "Mama—"

"It's okay."