Day Three - White Christmas
Characters: Hikaru & Kaoru Hitachiin
Genre: Family
Triggers: None
Kaoru slipped his thumb beneath the sleek red wrapping and happily tore it off the box, not minding the gold ribbon or slinky green ribbon attached at the top. A cardboard box peeked through the tear and his eager grin widened with gleeful anticipation.
His present was light and flimsy, needing both his hands to hold it up. He knew exactly what it was, a new outfit created specifically for him. Provided by his mother dearest. She asked them early in the year to draw out patterns and colors that they'd like to wear. At first Kaoru wasn't sure if she'd take their drawings seriously considering at the time she was about to leave again for a fashion show in Italy. He was afraid their hard work and creativity would get lost in her shuffle and they'd never hear of her plan again.
However, as he lifted the flimsy cardboard lid and swatted away the folded tissue paper, he immediately saw his favorite colors blending together in a crossing pattern across a pair of pajamas.
"Mom!" Kaoru joyfully cried, grabbing the top shirt and lifting it up for the room to see, "It's so awesome!"
His mother chuckled and leaned against her arm chair, her happy eyes glancing between Kaoru and Hikaru sitting cross-legged under their well decorated Christmas tree.
"You thought I forgot, didn't you?" She teased, switching her legs over.
Kaoru blushed in guilt and looked at the crumbled wrapping paper by his knees, "You're always gone…"
His mother's smile fell into a worried frown. She wanted to fall onto her knees and crawl to him but for a reason beyond her, she stayed put.
"I'm sorry sweetie… but I'm here now." Her voice betrayed her, exposing her own guilt.
The year hadn't been forgiving to her or their family. Whenever she managed to walk past her front doors after a long trip away her cell phone rang with another problem needing her expertise to fix. She should have expected a rocky year after launching her new Spring clothing line and hired a new team for her Tokyo inspired festival. She barely spent time at home, less than she normally did, but sadly she expected her sons to understand.
They were used to her being away.
Which was why she pulled a few strings and convinced her manager to let her spend Christmas weekend home without any interruptions. No one would call her cell phone, knock on their door, or send her an email. Her outreach to the outside world will be silenced.
They can spend this magical family moment in peace.
Her ten year old sons could enjoy this moment - one that will turn into a wonderful memory for the future days she'll have to leave again.