I grabbed another peppermint lolli from the fridge and made a place for us both on the couch. I took our presents from under the Candy Tree and arranged them at my feet. Then I sat and waited for her to come down. Knowing how busy we had been lately, it did not surprise me that she didn't know it was Christmas when I woke her up. I laughed to myself as I remembered the frenzy with which she ran around, trying to get everything all set up. Soon, I could hear her footsteps on the stairs and I turned toward the soft sound. "There you are, Taiya. I was beginning to miss you." "Already?" "Of course. There isn't a second that passes that I do not think of you. And I always miss you when you're away- no matter how far or how long." I began to be aware of her eyes on me and I blushed slightly. Reaching for a present at my feet, I gently placed it in her lap. "This is for you, my love. It is from Watari, but he did not buy it."
She had a puzzled look on her face as she unwrapped it, but it soon gave way to realization. I could see her eyes fill with memory and tears as she gaze at the locket her mother had worn. Lily gave this to Watari for safekeeping, and he thought it was the right time to give it to you." As I watched her graceful fingers undo the clasp on the flowered heart, I held my breath. She stared at it for a moment and then it fluttered to the floor. I gathered her in my arms and she hid her face in my chest. "I…I haven't seen their faces since…" She swallowed hard, as if to beat the memories back. "I am glad to have something to remember how they really were. Tell Watari…thank you." She barely managed to choke out the last before she let the tears overflow. She buried her head closer to my heart as I did my best to chase away the painful past.