InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Shikigami ❯ In the beginning ( Chapter 1 )

“So you can't come to my sleepover tonight?” Suka asked sadly. Yurimi shook her head.

 

“I'm, sorry, but I just wasn't thinking when I packed my stuff for the sleepover this morning. I completely forgot about the festival tonight. You know it's a big thing at our shrine.” Yurimi answered, shifting the heavy bag on her shoulder as the bus came to a jaunty stop. Suka nodded as the intercom went off.

 

“Kururugi Shrine. Now stopping for Kururugi Shrine.” The intercom said sharply. Yurimi waved goodbye to Suka and got off the bus.

 

She hurried up the stone steps to the shrine, the festival already started and the shrine crowed with visitors. Paper lanterns swung lazily in the breeze from the wire that connected them to the buildings, making a crisscrossing pattern over the walkways. People were talking happily amongst each other, couples strolling hand in hand through the groups of spectators. Yurimi spotted her mother working at the stand selling wooden dolls and she hurried over to her. Her mother was garbed in her kimono and obi, and eyed Yurimi curiously.

 

“Why aren't you dressed yet? Did you just get back?” Mrs. Kururugi asked her daughter. Yurimi nodded and kicked at ground.

 

“I forgot about the festival and was going to go to Suka's party. I remembered just as we got on the bus to go to her house, so that's why I'm late. I'll go get dressed now.” Yurimi answered before her mother called after her again.

 

“Before you get changed, help your sister at the fire pit. She has a doll she wants to throw in. Bring her back here afterward and go speak with your father. He said he needed something from the store room.” Mrs. Kururugi said and Arisa came out from behind her.

 

“Heddo Rimi.” The 4 year old replied with a grin. Yurimi took hold of her sister's hand and led her to the fire pit. Clutched tightly in the little girl's fist was a wooden doll. It didn't really resemble your average doll. It was basically a carved wooden cylinder with a round piece on the top for its head. On the front of the doll a red symbol was painted in the shape of a star with a circle around it.

 

“So Arisa, do you want to hear what you're supposed to do with the doll?” Yurimi asked her younger sister. Arisa nodded happily and jumped up and down.

 

“Alright then, what you do is write the name of the person you want to see on the back on the doll, and then throw it into the fire pit. In the flames of the fire pit, you'll see the person's face. Now, who's name do you want to write on the back?” Yurimi asked her sister. Arisa responded with a squeal.

 

 

“I want to write your name, Rimi. That way I can see you!” The girl replied giddily. Yurimi picked up her sister and balanced her on her hip.

 

“Why would you want my name on the doll? I'm right here, silly!” She teased her sister, tapping her lightly on the nose. Arisa giggled and thought again of someone.

 

“Write Grandpa's name.” She said after a minute or two. Yurimi smiled. Their grandfather lived in Hokkaido and they didn't get to see him very often.

 

Yurimi approached the fire pit with her sister in her arms and placed her gently on the ground. She took an ink pen from a pile on the ground and wrote her grandfather's name on the back of the doll. Arisa took the doll and tossed it ceremoniously into the fire pit.

 

“Watch the flames carefully and you'll see grandpa's face.” Yurimi whispered to her sister, lifting her again into her arms. Arisa suddenly squirmed in her sister's arms, pointing to the fire.

 

“I see him Rimi! I see him!” Arisa chanted and Yurimi smiled. Once the image that her sister saw faded away, Yurimi carried her back to the booth where her mother was selling dolls. She put her in the playpen behind her mother and left to find her father.

 

Mr. Kururugi was a few booths over from her wife's, selling paper fans painted with the red star symbol. He looked up and smiled at his daughter.

 

“Yurimi! It's about time you got home! Do me a favor and get some more fans from the storeroom.” Mr. Kururugi said before he turned to help a customer.

 

Yurimi nodded, and trudged to the storeroom, still carrying her backpack. All she really wanted to do was go into the house and take a long bath, but she didn't have time for that. She needed to help out at the festival even if she was bone tired.

 

The storeroom was at the other end of the property, and Yurimi ran towards it. She slid the wooden door open and entered the dusty room. It was fairly small, the entire length of the walls covered with shelves that held assorted boxes. Yurimi squinted in the dim light, searching for the box labeled `fans'. She walked slowly through the storeroom, when without her knowing, stepped onto a large star shaped symbol on the floor. When her shoe came in contact with the symbol, she crashed through the floor. Yurimi screamed as she vanished into the ground.

 

 

When she finally came too, she was in the middle of a forest. The sun was filtered through great leafy boughs from towering trees, the air cleaner and fresher than she remembered. She sat up, running a hand through her short hair and reached for her backpack. The said item was right beside her, and she grabbed her water bottle from one of the compartments. She sipped at the water, trying to remember what happened. However, what she did remember seemed completely impossible. Yurimi stood and hoisted the bag onto her back. The forest she was in seemed completely new to her, making her panic.

 

Where am I? This isn't the shrine. This can't be Tokyo either. What happened to me?…

 

Yurimi walked along the dusty path she awoke on, oblivious to where she was going or what possible danger there could be. In the distance, she saw smoke coming from a clearing up ahead. Thankful that she was by some sort of civilization, she picked her pace and headed towards the smoke.

 

“Baka!”

“Wench!”

“Jerk!”

“Bitch!”

“SIT!”

InuYasha dove toward the ground at an alarming speed as Kagome stood with her hand on her hip, face flushed.

 

“That is the last time I will ever let you go through my backpack again!” She yelled, eyes narrowed at the flattened hanyou. InuYasha stood slowly and glared right back at her.

 

“Well maybe if you had just given me the ramen, I wouldn't have to go through your damn backpack!” He countered.

 

“What? Since when was I obligated to bring you things back from my time? Baka! SIT!” She yelled again, sending InuYasha face first into the dirt.

 

Yurimi saw the whole encounter from a distance, thrilled to see someone dressed like her, and perhaps able to tell her where she was. However, Yurimi was too frightened of the man with the strange ears to approach the girl.

 

Gosh, they look like dog-ears…

 

Yurimi paced back at forth at the village's main gate, debating whether or not to approach the two fighting. Just as she turned to leave, she was pounced upon by what looked like a cross between a little boy and a fox.

 

“Hey! Did you come with Kagome? Can you go through the well to?” The Boy-fox asked her, green eyes alight with childlike happiness. Utterly bewildered, Yurimi managed to shake her head.

 

“Kagome? I don't know anyone named Kagome and what is this `well' you're talking about?” Yurimi asked the child. He merely stared at her before yelling at the top of his lungs.

 

“INUYASHA!” The little one screamed from his perch on her shoulder. Yurimi winced in pain and the man with the strange ears came running, the girl right behind him.

 

“Shippo, why the hell are you scr-” He began but fell silent when he saw Yurimi. Nobody spoke for a moment.

 

“She said she didn't know about the well! She's dressed like Kagome, so she must've gotten here through the well!” Shippo cried, launching himself into the other girl's arms.

 

“Who the hell are you?” The man in red asked angrily, his clawed hand reaching for his sword hilt. The other girl grabbed his arm to stop him.

 

“Wait InuYasha. What's your name?” She asked.

 

So apparently the man's name is InuYasha, and the little boy's name is Shippo…

 

“I'm K-Kururugi Yurimi.” She stuttered, eyes wide with fear. The man had tried to threaten her with a sword!

 

“Wait, as in the Kururugi Shrine?” The girl asked. Yurimi nodded mutely, too terrified to speak.

 

I shouldn't have entered this village. I should've gone somewhere else…

 

“I know where that is! I have a friend who lives down the street from you. I'm Kagome by the way.” The girl said brightly. Yurimi felt a little better to hear that the girl knew where the shrine was.

 

“Where am I?” Yurimi asked, gaining a little confidence and speaking up. Kagome bit her lip while InuYasha merely stared angrily.

 

“You're not going to believe this at first, but try to. You see, this is the Feudal Era.” Kagome said slowly. Yurimi's eyes went wide, but she said nothing.

 

“So basically, this is the past. InuYasha and Shippo are from this time, but I'm not. I can travel back and forth through time, via the Bone Eater's well on the outskirts of the village.” Kagome continued. Yurimi found her voice and spoke.

 

“Why does Shippo have a tail?” She asked weakly. Kagome smiled and Shippo raised an eyebrow.

 

“Shippo is a kitsune. He's a fox demon who uses fox fire magic, right Shippo?” Kagome answered and Shippo nodded.

 

“Demon? He looks too innocent to be a demon!” Yurimi exclaimed, making InuYasha smirk.

 

“That's right. The little squirt's basically useless, but Kagome loves him. She thinks the runt is cute.” He grumbled. Kagome narrowed her eyes at him.

 

“She's right. Shippo is adorable.” Yurimi agreed. Shippo grinned at her, making InuYasha scowl. Seeing the small child made Yurimi suddenly miss her little sister Arisa.

 

“Can I get home through the well?” was Yurimi's quiet request. Kagome thought for a moment.

 

“I'm not sure, because you didn't come here through the well, but it's worth a shot.” She replied, leading Yurimi towards the Bone Eater's well, as InuYasha followed with Shippo on his shoulder.

 

The well wasn't very deep into the forest. It was made of wood that was now old and decaying, and was covered with thick green vines. For someone who was not used to living 500 years in the past, it was down right eerie. On top of that, InuYasha was kind enough to tell her why it was called the Bone Eater's well.

 

“Whenever the villagers would slay a demon, they'd throw the dead carcass into this well. After the demon's flesh had rotted away, only the bones were left, scattered through the bottom of the well.” He grinned, knowing she would be freaked out. Kagome's glare had silenced him afterward, but Yurimi knew he was still smirking.

 

Now she stood in front of the well, debating on whether or not she should jump into the well.

 

What if I don't make it through? What if they leave me at the bottom to die? What if I never see my family again?

 

Yurimi stood, worrying about all these things in her head, when InuYasha pushed her. She screamed as she fell into the well, hearing Kagome yell `SIT' a couple of times. Yurimi hit the ground with a loud thud, her backside aching the impact. She shakily stood, willing herself not to think of dead rotting demons or bones or whatnot.

 

“Kagome?” Yurimi called unsteadily to the patch of light way above her. Kagome's head peered over the side of the well and sighed. Without having to say anything, InuYasha jumped in, grabbed her, and jumped back out. Once Yurimi was safely on the ground, she stared at InuYasha, her eyes bewildered.

 

“H-how did you do that? I mean you just-I mean, you jumped in and out of the-” Yurimi stuttered, but was cut off by InuYasha's gruff tone.

 

“Keh. I'm half demon you idiot. `Course I can jump like that.” The hanyou replied in a grumpy voice. Yurimi's mouth opened slightly and she whispered `oh'. Turning back to Kagome and Shippo, Yurimi looked worried.

 

“I didn't go through. Was I supposed to?”

 

Kagome nodded.

 

Yurimi slumped against the side of the well, brows knit and eyes shining with unshed tears. Kagome held out her hand and Yurimi took it to help her stand. Once on her feet, Yurimi wrapped her arms around herself and followed everyone back into village.

 

As she trudged behind everyone, Shippo jumped out of Kagome's arms and walked along side Yurimi.

 

“You don't have to be sad. We have lots of fun when Kagome's here. And don't worry about InuYasha; he'll grow on you. He may be a baka, but he can be nice.” Shippo told her happily. InuYasha turned around and thumped Shippo soundly on the head, making him burst into tears.

 

“That'll teach you to call me names, brat.” InuYasha growled.

 

Yurimi picked up the Kitsune and patted his back soothingly. Kagome looked on, a surprised look on her features as Yurimi whispered softly to the crying fox demon. A pang of jealousy shot through her, but she quickly dismissed it and led them back to the village.

 

As the four entered the village, an older woman approached them. Yurimi looked on curiously as Kagome told the Priestess everything that had happened. Kaede, Yurimi learned as her name, scowled at the news, bewildered herself that Yurimi could not pass through the Bone Eater's well.

 

“Despite this untimely news, ye may reside in this village. Kagome and InuYasha will watch over ye. Worry not, ye are safe here and we will find a way for ye to return home.” Kaede said in a soothing voice.

 

Yurimi smiled as the Priestess led them all into her home. Already sitting around a small fire were a man and a woman. The woman was garbed in a kimono, but appeared to have darker clothes on underneath it. Her hair was long and pulled back loosely down her back. A weapon that resembled a boomerang leaned against the wall nearest to her. A small cat with two tails was curled up in her lap, purring gently. The man across from her must have been a monk, due to the way he was dressed and the earring in his ear. His dark hair was short and pulled back at the nape of his neck. Next to the strange boomerang was a staff adorned with small gold rings. Both smiled when the original trio entered, and looked surprised when Yurimi entered.

 

“A friend, Kagome?” The woman asked, petting the cat in her lap.

 

“Well Sango, it's a long story. I'm sure Kaede will explain it to you both.” Kagome answered. Yurimi put Shippo on the ground, who then immediately ran over to the small cat.

 

“Kirara!” Shippo squealed, chasing the small cat around the hut. Sango smiled while Kagome laughed. Feeling suddenly out of place again, Yurimi kept her vigil by the door. Kaede ushered her farther inside, much to Yurimi's chagrin.

 

“She can explain her story is she so wishes. Do not pressure her.” Kaede said firmly, and for that Yurimi was grateful. All eyes were one her again and Yurimi blushed. She wanted them to stop looking at her, she wanted to run out of the hut and back home, but she couldn't.

 

“Well, you see, I- um, I-” Yurimi began, staring at the floor, her face beet red. A laugh from the currently unnamed-man made her look up, taken aback.

 

“Well, you could start off by introducing yourself, my dear.” He said in a soft voice that hinted at amusement. Yurimi flushed in embarrassment and stared at the floor again.

 

“My name is Kururugi Yurimi.” She said softly.

 

I'm imposing on these people, taking up their time with my silly antics. If only the kind old woman would let me leave the hut…

 

“And why, Miss Kururugi, are you here?” The same man asked. Yurimi wished her would leave her alone. Everyone's gazes were too penetrating, too prying. She didn't know why she was in the Feudal Era, so what was she supposed to say?

 

“Be quite Miroku! You're so obnoxious at times!” Sango berated, glaring at the monk. Yurimi exhaled unsteadily, glad that the man had a name now. Her flush had darkened, but she needed to explain what happened. It was expected of her.

 

“I fell. Through the floor in the storeroom. At my family's shrine.” Yurimi said, her statements delayed as she spoke, “I woke up in a forest and saw InuYasha and Kagome fighting. Then Shippo jumped on me because he thought I had come with Kagome. After that, InuYasha pushed me into the well, but I didn't pass through. And now I'm here, so, um…” Yurimi said, suddenly very shy again.

 

 

Miroku smiled as Kagome and InuYasha entered the hut. It had been a good day; he had only been slapped four times by Sango. Something was amiss with the others though, he could tell from the confused looks on their faces. Kaede entered a moment later, ushering in a girl who held Shippo in her arms. Shippo seemed quite content with the stranger, which obviously shocked Kagome and confused himself.

 

Miroku wondered who Kaede had invited, but was shocked to see that the girl was dressed in a way similar to Kagome. Her `school uniform' is what she had called it. Her skirt was tan, short like Kagome's, also wearing a white blouse under a sleeveless yellow sweater. The girl looked about seventeen or so, however, a bit short for her age. Unlike any other matured girl he had seen, her hair was short. The tousled brown locks only reached her jaw line. Her eyes were navy, and from the expression on her face, she was obviously scared.

 

Kaede had just told her to explain her situation, and now the girl looked even more terrified. What was she afraid of? It wasn't like any of them were going to eat her. She started off stuttering and mumbling, and Miroku chuckled. He wasn't mocking her or teasing her, he just found her unease unnecessary.

 

“Well, you could start off by introducing yourself, my dear.” Miroku had told her. The girl's fetching blush darkened, even visible in the dim light of the hut. She mumbled her name, and he ended up teasing her again. Sango scolded him, and at this rate, this new girl was going to be terrified of him forever.

 

 

Yurimi sat down on her mat at the end of the hut, shuffling through her backpack. Night had fallen, and she was getting sleepy. Luckily she had all of the things necessary for a sleepover, due to her carelessness this morning. Yurimi thanked her lucky stars and pulled out a pair of flannel pants and a t-shirt. She slipped the large t-shirt over her head, removing her sweater and blouse from underneath. She slipped those garments out of the armholes and folded them neatly. Once finished with that, Yurimi pulled on the flannel pants, putting them underneath her skirt, and pulling off the skirt once the pant's drawstrings were secured.

 

Everyone but Kagome and Sango, who had done the same sort of thing before, had watched Yurimi do this through the corners of their eyes, shocked at how the girl managed to change her clothes without baring any skin. Yurimi folded up her remaining clothes and tucked them into her backpack. She wasn't sure about the water supply, so she only rinsed her mouth out with some mouthwash. She brushed her short hair so it wasn't so tangled and lay down on the mat. Yurimi pulled her blanket up to her chin and sighed, waiting for sleep to come. But that didn't happen until much later.

 

Yurimi was worried. She was worried that she might never get home, never see her sister or her parents again. She was worried that this was all a hoax, some cruel joke that someone was playing on her. Well, the joke was up. She wanted to go home, to sleep in her bed and wake up to Arisa jumping on her stomach. But if this was real, the chances of her returning were becoming slim. As much as she wanted to cry and scream, Yurimi steeled her resolve. She was going to do whatever she could to try and get home. She was going to stop being afraid of everyone and help out. No, Yurimi was not going to be a sissy little girl who couldn't do anything. She was imposing in these people lives, and she was going to repay them by helping them. Even if doing so frightened her half to death. Yurimi soon fell asleep to the sound of even breathing from those around her and the wind softly whistling through the trees.

 

Kagome awoke early the next morning to Shippo kicking her lightly in his sleep. Shippo had slept on Kagome's mat with her ever since he had dubbed her his adoptive mother. Kagome didn't mind; she loved Shippo dearly. However, the kitsune was prone to nightmares, and woke her up with out knowing or meaning to.

 

Kagome stretched, yawning softly as she turned to survey the room. Everyone was sleeping soundly, a slight snore coming form Kaede's direction. She looked over towards Yurimi, who was curled up tightly on her mat. Her expression was blank, but every once in a while she let out a small, pitiful whimper. Sango was sleeping in the corner, Kirara on her hip.

 

Kagome smiled and awoke the two girls quietly. Yurimi seemed to forget where she was for a moment, but followed both females out side, a bundle of clothes in her hand.

 

“What are we doing this early, Kagome?” Yurimi asked as she stifled a yawn. Sango apparently knew what was going on and smiled.

 

“We're going down to the hot springs before anyone else wakes up. If we don't, InuYasha and Miroku will follow us and peek.” Kagome said practically. Yurimi flushed lightly at the thought and followed after Sango and Kagome.

 

Miroku had awoken the moment the three females exited the hut. He knew exactly where they were going, and waited for them to leave before leaving the hut himself. As he pushed past the curtain for the door, InuYasha stopped him.

 

“What the hell are you doing monk?” InuYasha growled. Miroku merely smiled.

 

“I do not wish to peep at our lovely friends, I simply have a question for our new guest.” Miroku said innocently. InuYasha laughed heartily.

 

“You honestly think the other girl is going to bear your pups? I'm not going to stop you from making a fool out of yourself.” InuYasha grinned. Miroku shrugged.

 

“Keep you opinion to yourself InuYasha. Oh, would you like to come with me? I'm sure Kagome would love to see you.” Miroku teased. InuYasha blushed slightly and turned away.

 

“Whatever monk. However, if I hear one scream coming from that hot spring, I'm going to disembowel you with chopsticks.” InuYasha growled. Miroku laughed and continued down the path to the hot springs.

 

Kagome, Sango and Yurimi had all relaxed into the hot springs and were conversing lightly. Yurimi was beginning to feel like part of the group, content to her Sango and Kagome joke while she rested in the soothing water.

 

At first, disrobing in front of the others was completely embarrassing, but she soon realized that no one was going analyze her appearance. Once she stepped into the water, she was instantly calmed from her stress. The warm water was just like being a hot tub, something Yurimi had only encountered a few times in her life.

 

Sango and Kagome were about to start talking about finding some apparent Jewel Shards when footsteps drew near to the hot spring.

 

“It's Miroku.” Sango said angrily, ready to whip her Hiraikotsu at him. Kagome steadied her when Miroku stood behind a rock so her could not see the three bathing.

 

“Miroku…” Sango growled. The monk laughed softly.

 

“Sango dear, as much as I'd enjoy watching you, I have a grave question for Yurimi.” Miroku said in a teasing tone. Sango was too concerned with what he was going to ask Yurimi to be shocked at his initial statement.

 

“Don't ask her Miroku, just don't even ask her.” Sango said firmly while Kagome nodded. Yurimi was sitting off to the side, oblivious to everything they were arguing about.

 

“What do you have to ask me, Miroku?” Yurimi asked softly. Kagome and Sango glared at her, but retreated into the hot springs once more.

 

“That's better. Now Yurimi, I know we've just met, but I have a very crucial question to ask you. You see, a curse was laid upon my right hand: the Wind Tunnel. This vortex, which I conveniently cover at all times, as the power to draw in anything in its path. One problem, the Wind Tunnel will eventually draw me in also, without me having an heir.” Miroku said as if this was no big deal.

 

Yurimi swallowed hard.

 

“So technically, you want me to bear your children?” She asked, her voice small.

 

“I couldn't have worded it better myself!” Miroku chuckled.

 

Yurimi inhaled unsteadily. This poor man was doomed to die, without any heir of his own. Yurimi was torn. Part of her was completely freaked out. This stranger was asking her to bear his children…

 

Yet she pitied him, and somehow felt it was a way she could repay all these people for imposing on their lives. She was silent for a moment as Kagome and Sango looked at her. Their stares completely cried for her to say no.

 

“I-I, uh, I suppose, yes, yes I will.” Yurimi stuttered.

 

Miroku stood rooted to the ground. Did she actually say yes? He thought to himself.

 

“Very well then! I'll see you three back at the village!” Miroku said masking his supreme shock and sudden worry as he walked back to the village. Yurimi's eyes were wide.

 

“I can't believe I said yes…” She whispered as Kagome shook her head. Sango was looking surprisingly pleased with herself.

 

“If you have to bear his children, then he'll probably stop touching me!” Sango said in a dazed voice. She smiled softly to herself, and Kagome laughed in spite of the situation.

 

The three of them stood, dressed, and walked back to the village. Sango and Kagome were talking too much and being too cheerful, trying to ease Yurimi's anxiety. Still, she was petrified. She was going to have a stranger's baby. Her firstborn was going to be fathered by a man Yurimi hardly knew. Yurimi swallowed hard and steeled her resolve. It was the least she could do.

 

The rest of the morning, Sango and Kagome kept Yurimi away from Miroku. Part of them hoped that if they kept Yurimi away from the lecher, he'd forget about what Yurimi had said.

 

“How could you say yes to him?” Sango grumbled as the three sat at the base of a tree on the edge of Kaede's property. Yurimi blushed and shrugged.

 

“I don't know, really.” She began, suddenly very interested in the grass beneath her shaking fingers, “ I suppose I really pitied him. I mean if he, Miroku, died, then he'd have no one to follow in his name.” Yurimi finished. Miroku's name sounded very strange on her tongue.

 

“But he's a pervert! A complete lecher!” Sango complained again.

 

“Still, she can't back out on her promise. Miroku has been looking for a woman for ages.” Kagome replied. The other two nodded in response, and silence covered them once again.

 

Yurimi's heart was in her throat. She had been so taken aback by the man's question that she hadn't realized what her promise would entail. Yurimi had promised to get pregnant, to actually carry a child within her. She was going to be 18 in a month or so, but still she figured that even that age was too young. What if she was able to get home, and was unable to prove to Miroku that he had an heir?

 

Her mind was spinning and she felt sick. Another thing hadn't pondered was the act of becoming pregnant. Yurimi was still a virgin, shy and completely oblivious to the ways of the opposite sex. Sure she knew what went on `when two people loved each other very much', but was frightened beyond belief. She hadn't ever had a boyfriend even. How was she supposed to get pregnant when she hadn't even been kissed before?

 

She sighed loudly, getting a few sympathetic looks from Sango and Kagome. Yurimi was pleased that she had found solace with the other female's presence, thankful that she had befriended them easily enough. Yet, she was plagued by her own thoughts.

 

“What did you mean by pervert, Sango?” Yurimi asked weakly. The woman in question flashed a cheeky smile.

 

“He's a absolute pervert. Wandering hands, subtle and obvious innuendoes, and the fact he uses the same line he used on you to be with other women.” Sango replied. Yurimi groaned.

 

So the man she was expected to lie with was much more experienced than her. Yurimi sighed heavily and buried her face in her knees.

 

“What have I gotten myself into?” Yurimi cried. Kagome patted her gently on the back, but pulled back when Yurimi stiffened slightly. She lifted her face up, all color drawn from it.

 

“Oh gosh, what would my mother say?”