'I think Ino is right; I have to give them space to think. I can't just talk to them now. Especially not after this morning...'
I look downward at Arashi sleeping soundly in my arms. I smile and kiss his forehead. "I'll never let you go..."
As I passed shops in the heart of the village, I found myself in front of a Solon. I took some of my waist length hair in my hands and looked back at the Solon sign.
"I think it's time for a change." I said to myself and ultimately went in. I needed to shed off the negativity that I've been inhabiting for years and that first and best step is to cut my hair. I wanted to become...like new.
"Hi, welcome-oh! Mrs. Uzumaki w-welcome!" The girl at the front desk named Akira greeted.
"Ah, it has been a while huh? I see you guys changed your place. In the past, I remembered it was more orange and brown but now, it's just pure white. I like it..."
"Thank you! Ah so are you here for a cut? Your hair has grown out so beautifully." She complimented.
"Thank you but...yes I have decided to get a cut. It's... time for a change." I answered.
"Well, I think that's wonderful. Here I'll get you a chair for you and little Arashi-chan." She said. Arashi was still asleep in my arms.
"Thank you Akira-san. I really appreciate it."
"No problem! Here you go." Akira placed a comfortable looking chair in front of my intended chair. I gently set him on to the hair, careful not to wake him. The chair seemed comfortable enough for him to not wake up. I sighed in relief and took my own seat.
"So Mrs. Uzumaki, what kind of style would you like to have? Just cut the ends or..."
"I would like to have short hair. Do you remember what my hair looked like before?"
"Oh yes, ma'am! I'll get right on that!" Akira declared. I thanked her and let her start on my hair.
"Ok! I'm done! You might wanna close your eyes before I turn you towards the mirror ok?"
"Ah sure." I giggled and closed my eyes. I felt her slowly turn my chair to face the chair. I was anxious to open my eyes to look so once she told me I could, I opened my eyes so wide.
*Gasp* "Oh my!"
I got up slowly and approached the mirror and looked at it closely. I ran my hand through my new short bob.
"Do you like it?" I heard her ask.
"This...I..." I couldn't make out any words. I felt all the weight off my shoulders disappear. All the grief, bitterness, and negativity are all gone with every last snip. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt... alive."
I turned towards her and embraced her in a hug so tight. "Thank you! Thank you so much for this!" I shakily said. I separated from her and looked her in her eyes, smiling from ear to ear. "I feel like a new woman! I don't know how to thank you..."
"No need! This is on the house! And I'm glad you like it!" She stated.
"Mommy? What happened to your hair?" I heard my baby say. I turned towards him and smile. It looks like our commotion woke him up. I walk toward him and pick him up in my arms.
"Mommy just wanted a change. Do you like it?" I asked him. He put his little hands through my hair my hair and nodded yes. "I'm glad you do." I giggled.
I turned back to Akira and waved goodbye. "Bye Akira-san! Say bye Arashi-chan." He shyly waved goodbye.
"Goodbye!"
As we were walking home, Arashi asked me a question.
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"Are you gonna make up with Shina-chan and Hanami-Chan?"
"...Yes, I intend to. Why do you ask?"
"I heard you and auntie talking and you were crying and talking about them..."
"Oh...you heard huh?" I sighed. "Well I want to, but I can't just go talk to them now. They need to cool off and think as I did. I love them so much and I hope you and them know that..."
"They know mommy. At least I do."
"That makes me feel a little bit better... Now, what do you want for dinner?"
"Yakitori!" He answered.
"Ok, Yakitori it is!"