by Sean Gaffney
Author's Notes: This has spoilers through the latest novel.
"Yumi-san?" The two friends sat outside on the steps, eating their lunch.
"Yes, Tsutako-san"
"You're buying a rosary today, right?"
Yumi almost choked on a piece of octopus. "No."
"Because you need to find a petit soeur soon, or else Noriko will be by herself next year."
Yumi was once again disturbed at Tsutako's ability to know everything. "That doesn't mean I've decided."
"And yesterday you found out about Touko-chan being ostracized by the rest of her class."
SNAP Yumi's chopsticks broke in her hand. She glanced down. "Yes."
Tsutako sighed, and got out a handkerchief to clean up the small cuts Yumi had given herself. "So you're buying a rosary today, right?"
One day, Yumi reflected, she would get the better of Tsutako. But not today. "Right," she replied, as softly as possible.
Tsutako nodded. "I'll come with you."
Yumi blinked. "Why?"
Tsutako's face was a picture. Yumi didn't think she'd ever seen it that shade of red before. Wait, no... she had, once...
"I need to buy one too."
Yumi's face slowly lit up into a big smile. It looked like she would get the better of Tsutako today. She reached out and grabbed Tsutako's chopsticks.