Kana stood outside, her breath forming soft clouds in the frigid air as the cold wind brushed gently against her face. She wore a set of warm clothes—an oversized black sweater and a cozy beanie that Jane had lent her earlier that morning. The sweater was slightly too big, the sleeves nearly covering her hands, but it felt like a comforting embrace against the chilly breeze. She smiled softly, a quiet joy swelling inside her.
She looked down at her feet and marveled at the thick layer of snow that blanketed the ground. Everything around her was white and peaceful, with the sound of crunching boots and the rhythmic scrape of shovels filling the air. People were hard at work clearing the sidewalks and roads so cars could move through the city safely. The scene felt like something out of a holiday movie.
Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and wonder. It was one of the very first times in the past four years that she had actually left the hospital and stepped outside—really outside, beyond the hospital gardens and courtyards. The last time she remembered standing in snow like this was before everything in her life had changed.
Dr. Kennedy had offered many times over the years to take her out for short trips, but she always declined. Back then, she didn't see the point. Her body was frail, her spirit even more so. The world outside felt distant and uninviting. But today was different. Today, she was outside by choice—and for the first time in a long while, she felt alive.
As she gazed around her, she couldn't help but smile. The streets were lined with decorated shop windows, their displays glowing warmly despite the cold. Holiday lights twinkled from the lampposts, and music floated from speakers near storefronts. She stood at the edge of a busy street leading toward the city's small business district, where the shops were still open for the holiday season. It felt magical.
And she wondered—why hadn't she done this sooner? Why had she hidden herself away from all of this beauty for so long?
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps behind her snapped her out of her thoughts.
Finally, Jane caught up to Kana, who had run ahead in her excitement.
Jane: (panting) Hey… don't… run off like that. What if you got lost?
Kana: I'm sorry, big sister. I'm just really excited about coming outside and going shopping with you.
Jane: I know… but it won't be fun if you wander around and get lost now, would it?
Kana paused for a moment, then turned to Jane with a cartoonishly guilty expression on her face, her eyes wide and her lips forming a sheepish grin.
Kana: I guess you're right.
Jane chuckled softly, finally catching her breath as she stood upright again, brushing snowflakes from her jacket.
Jane: Now… ready to go shopping?
Kana beamed, her face lighting up like a child seeing snow for the first time.
Kana: Yes!!!
*****
Kana expected Jane to take her to a huge clothes store—something fancy, towering with multiple floors, glass walls, and mannequins dressed like runway models. After all, Dr. Kennedy had sent them a generous amount of money for Christmas. She figured they'd go somewhere high-end, something out of a movie.
But to her surprise, they didn't end up in a store like that.
Instead, Kana found herself standing in front of a small, modest-looking clothing shop tucked between a bookstore and a florist. The glass windows were fogged slightly from the winter chill, and the name of the shop—"Linen & Love"—was painted in soft cursive letters above the door.
Kana glanced around uncertainly. The place didn't exactly scream luxury, but it did have a certain warmth to it.
Kana: (to herself) Maybe I set my expectations too high. But… (looks around as they step inside) This place doesn't look bad at all.
Inside, the store was cozy and festive. Strings of golden fairy lights twinkled from the ceiling, and faint Christmas music played from a radio in the back. Neatly folded sweaters, scarves, and coats lined the shelves, and the scent of cinnamon and pine lingered in the air.
As they walked in, an elderly woman—probably in her late 50s—glanced up from behind the counter. She wore a soft red cardigan and had silver-streaked hair tied into a loose bun. Upon seeing them, she smiled brightly and waved.
Jane returned the wave and began walking toward her with familiarity.
Kana: (to herself) Maybe she shops here often…? Maybe she's a regular?
But before Kana could guess any further, Jane walked up to the woman and wrapped her arms around her in a hug.
Jane: Merry Christmas, Mom.
Kana froze. Her eyes widened slightly as the word hit her like a sudden gust of wind.
Kana: (shocked) Mom?!
The elderly woman—Jane's mother—laughed softly and hugged Jane back with a warmth that made the little shop feel even cozier. Then her eyes shifted toward Kana, who stood stiffly at the entrance, unsure of what to do.
Jane's mom: Merry Christmas to you too, dear. (notices Kana) And is that the little girl you're always talking about? The one from work?
Jane turned to Kana with a smile and beckoned her over.
Jane: (giggles) Yeah… that's her. (waves Kana to come over) Kana, come over and say hello.
Jane's mom: (smiling gently) Yes, dear, come on. I won't bite.
Kana hesitated. Her feet felt rooted to the spot, her hands twitching nervously at her sides. Slowly, she forced herself to move forward, her steps unsure.
When she finally got close enough, Jane's mom reached out and took both of Kana's hands in hers.
Jane's mom: Welcome, dear… It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Jane's mom, but you can just call me Sarah.
Kana: (nervously) Oh… it's a pleasure to meet you too, Ms. Sarah.
Sarah: (chuckling softly) You're such an adorable girl. I can see why Jane always talks about you.
Kana didn't respond right away. Her eyes were drawn to Sarah's hands—soft and warm despite the visible wrinkles of age. There was something comforting in the way she held her, like a blanket on a cold night or a gentle breeze on a summer morning.
It made Kana smile without even realizing it.
Sarah: (smiling back) Now, why don't we find something nice for you to wear? I promised Jane we'd spoil you a little today.
Kana: (blushing slightly) Oh… you didn't have to…
Jane: (grinning) Too late. We're already here. Besides, Mom's got amazing taste.
Sarah gently guided Kana toward a section filled with soft winter clothes—chunky knit sweaters, wool scarves, stylish coats, and colorful mittens. Everything looked cozy and inviting.
Kana brushed her fingers along the fabric of a cream-colored sweater, then a dark green scarf, admiring the textures. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a red scarf tucked neatly in between two coats.
She reached out and touched it, her fingers lingering on the soft fabric.
In that moment, a flicker of a memory surfaced—hazy, blurred, but familiar. A woman's faint voice, a soft humming, and a warm scent that tugged at her chest like a forgotten lullaby.
Her stomach tightened.
Kana quickly let go of the scarf and put it back, her expression unreadable.
Sarah: (noticing) Oh? You didn't like that one?
Kana: (shaking her head gently) It's fine. Just… not my color.
Sarah didn't question it, but there was a quiet understanding in her eyes, the kind only a mother could have. She gave Kana a soft smile and turned her attention back to the racks.
Jane, who had been watching quietly, noticed the shift in Kana's mood and stepped in to redirect her attention.
Jane: (cheerfully) Hey Kana, what about this? (holds up a light blue cardigan) I think it'd look amazing on you.
Kana looked up, grateful for the change in topic, and gave a small nod.
Kana: Yeah… that one's nice.
They continued browsing together, and the atmosphere began to lighten again. Kana tried on a few items while Sarah and Jane offered suggestions, complimenting her along the way.
Eventually, Sarah picked up a pair of knitted gloves—a soft cream color with tiny snowflake patterns stitched on the cuffs.
Sarah: You'll need something warm for winter, dear. Consider it a small Christmas gift. From Santa.
Kana: (smiling faintly) Thank you… Ms. Sarah.
Sarah: (gently) Just Sarah is fine.
They made their way to the counter with their selections. The store was small, and the checkout counter was lined with hand-made cards, little trinkets, and a Christmas wreath hanging above. Sarah stood behind the counter, ringing up their items with a practiced ease, her hands moving expertly through the motions.
As she worked, she kept up a friendly conversation with Jane, their banter lighthearted and full of affection. Kana stood quietly, watching the interaction and feeling like she was witnessing a glimpse into a world of love and familiarity that she hadn't known in years.
Jane: (smiling) See, Kana? I told you she was awesome.
Kana: (softly, quietly to Jane) Your mom's… really nice.
Jane: (smiling warmly) She really likes you. I did tell her you were my little sister.
Kana: (blushing, glancing away) Is that so?
Jane: (teasing) Yep. And you just proved me right.
Kana let out a small laugh, her heart a little lighter than when she walked in.