Today, for the first time in a while, I, Asanagi Sora, was out shopping with my daughter. With Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, we'd come to a local shopping complex to replace some old household items and stock up on things we'd need for the holidays.
"Thanks for coming with me, Umi. I was originally going to ask your brother to be the pack mule today."
"It's fine, don't worry about it. I'm getting something out of this, too," Umi replied, happily licking a soft-serve ice cream she'd bought from the food court. "Besides, I'm way more useful than Big Bro, who's turned into a total weakling from gaming all day since he quit his job."
We had a cart full of cleaning supplies for the big end-of-year cleaning, winter gear, and a stockpile of food and water—a simple 100-yen soft-serve hardly seemed like fair compensation for her help. Until the year before last, she, much like my son Riku, would have balked at the idea of going anywhere with me. But now, she was pushing the shopping cart with a cheerful, almost innocent look on her face.
It felt as though she had reverted to her elementary school days, a sight that brought a quiet joy to my heart.
Is this just a phase now that she's past her rebellious streak? Or is it because of her new friend… that boy? It was probably the latter.
"Mom, we've got everything on the list, but is there anything else you forgot to buy?"
"Let's see… Oh, it wasn't in the plan, but how about we check out the clothing section? It wouldn't hurt to grab some scarves, gloves, or warm underwear if they have any."
"Oh, sounds good. I was thinking of buying a new scarf anyway."
"A scarf… Hmmm."
"…What is it, Mom? Got something to say?"
"Nope, not a thing."
I was tempted to ask what happened to the scarf she'd bought not too long ago, but I held my tongue, figuring it would be mean to bring it up.
…She gave her favorite scarf to 'that boy' recently, didn't she?
I suddenly recalled seeing the scarf my daughter used to adore wrapped around the neck of that polite young man who walks her home nearly every Friday. The thought of them getting along so well brought a sense of relief.
"Oh, that's right! Hey, Mom, can I buy some pajamas while we're at it? My current ones are a bit thin. I want something warmer."
"Sure, but nothing too pricey. I don't have much cash left in my wallet."
"It's okay. They're just for wearing at home, so I want something cheap anyway."
As if she had planned it all along, she quickly found what she was looking for and held it up for me to see.
"…Sweats?"
"Yup. A matching set for 990 yen. These are a great find, you know. They're cheap, but the inside is all fluffy and warm. Super functional. Plus, they're baggy, so wearing layers underneath is no problem."
"Oh, that's not bad at all. In that case, maybe I'll get a set for myself, too."
"…You can't, Mom."
"Eh? Why not? You just recommended them. The only ones who'd see us matching are your dad and brother, so what's the big deal?"
"Th-That's true, but… this is the one I picked out. So, no copying me."
With the selfish logic of an elementary schooler, Umi put my set back on the shelf. Given her choice was a complete departure from her usual style, I could only guess she was thinking something adorable along the lines of, "Only I'm allowed to wear the same pajamas as that boy."
It seems my daughter is the type to be easily influenced, in more ways than one.