April 18, 2053

        Christine Langley woke up just as dawn broke over Nerima, one of
those clear, crisp, beautiful spring mornings that make you glad to be
alive.  She sat up slowly, groaning at the crick in her back.  That back
pain had gotten worse since her 79th birthday.
        "Happy birthday to me," she sighed.  Christine slowly hobbled to
her feet and went about her usual morning routine.  Washing up, making the
bed and fixing her small breakfast took her the better part of the morning.
She smiled as she looked out the window to see the children on their way
to school.   Time to stir things up again.
        Christine made her way out to the front gate just as the two
latecomers came speeding up the road, bickering as always.  With careful
timing and perfect aim, she splashed the pig-tailed boy as he ran past,
transforming him into a girl.
        "Ranma!   Not again!  Now we're going to be late again!" the
short-haired girl shouted.  Christine waited until they were well out of
earshot before she began cackling with glee.   Oh, it was good to be alive!
        Ranma and Akane ran on to school, each wondering just who the heck
that old washer-woman was.

^_^

Happy Birthday, Christine!

- Cindy Toler

Ranma 1/2 and all Ranma 1/2 characters are the creation of Rumiko
Takahashi, long may she reign.  They are used entirely without permission.
Christine Langley is a real person who is having a real birthday today.
Her name is also being used without permission.