Thirty-Seven.
The elderly observed her fondly, a tiny smile on her lips.
"There's no doubt that you know what you're doing, child. You've grown quite a lot in these years."
The delicate praise made her blush. "I wish someone else had noticed", she shrugged.
Kaede slipped a hand under her arm, squeezing gently. "Some things simply don't happen the way we want them to."
The girl smiled quietly resigned. "I learned that lesson, too."
Kaede nodded – there was nothing more to say. "Go now. I will pray for an easy journey and a safe return."
With a well-mannered bow, Kagome left.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
(100 words.)