21: Catherine and Otose
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It's only a few days until Christmas, and Kyuubei still hasn't found a gift for Otae. She sits in Otose's snack shop, hoping some of the old woman's wisdom will rub off on her.
Otose's hands are old and lined, but she cooks rice and beans with a delicate finesse that Otae lacks. Years of experience will do that. Kyuubei still prefers Otae's cooking.
Kyuubei slowly picks at her food. "I was wondering," she begins, "what should I get Otae and the others for Christmas?
"The most expensive gifts are best," Catherine pipes up. "Nothing says you care like large amounts of money. You can practice with me, then I'll tell you what I like."
"You're only trying to get something expensive for yourself!" Otose snaps at Catherine, then turns back to Kyuubei. "Christmas isn't about gifts, it's about giving." Otose leans back, allowing the distinction to sink in. "It doesn't matter what you buy your friends, or if you even get them anything at all." She pauses again. "Oh, Gintoki and Kagura might complain, but they won't really mean it. No, what's most important this time of year is showing you care. Your friends really just want a chance to enjoy spending time with you."
Kyuubei leaves the snack shop, musing that sometimes the best gems of wisdom are the simplest.
Then Kyuubei has an epiphany. "Ice skates. Ice skating is fun. I'll buy everyone a pair of ice skates." She thinks of Otae's smile while whisking by on a pair on skates. "But where will we go ice skating?"