concern. "Your mother would want you have to have some guidance, and I'm not try to force a parental figure upon you......I just want to help you in anyway I can. Even my husband believes in your abilities, because I know he has good intentions and an excellent intuition when picking his disciples."

But.....I'm not worth being taken of, let alone being shown this much kindness......

Taking a moment to embrace the calm atmosphere surrounding us, with the simple decoration within the room and the extra care its in, it made me less cluttered in the head. Despite feeling conflicted, confused, hesitant to move forward, afraid to make another step, afraid to offend anyone or even do something against the gods.  Everything little thing made me feel nauseous, and my anxiousness began to creep back in.

Suddenly a warm hand rests upon mine upon my lap, "My dear Hayami, you've through enough already," She whispers gently, giving my hand a gentle squeeze of comfort. Tears stung the corners of my eyes, feeling this familiar and long forgotten feeling. The maternal care of a woman. "......Allow me to guide you, teach you what you couldn't have been taught as a young woman.........I want to see your full potential....."

A stray tear rolls down as if her voice, and warm words of assurance has crept inside my heart ever since the passing of my own mother.

Lifting my eyes I gave a gentle nod, "I'll try my best......."

She smiles gently, as her thumb runs over my knuckles soothingly.

".......that's it, one step at a time...." she advises gently.

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