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Okay, this is the first time that I've posted to the list.
I've had this story in storage for a while, but I decided
to get some feedback on it.  For those of you who need
a timeline to workwith, this comes from the manga (I'm
more familiar with the manga version of S). This is just
after Hotaru's mother died.  I'd say Hotaru's
about 8 or 9 (didn't the manga say her mother died when she
was 8, correct me if I'm wrong)
Um, for all the diabetics out there you might want to take
a shot of insulin (I know what you're thinking, sweet and
Hotaru?)

Just for a reference, I LOVE feedback, even harsh (my English
teachers used to specialize in that department).  I'll even
accept grammer errors.  You can send it to the list or privately 
(either way works fine).

Firefly's Dream

by

Cynara L.

     It was dusk, and the wind was hot and dry as it blew across Hotaru's
 face as she sat in the grass.

     "Hotaru, come inside, it's time for bed," a warm voice called.

     "Just a minute, Papa.  I want to watch the fireflies," she
begged, turning enormous violet eyes up at him.

     "Well . . . " he hesitated, "Alright."

     He was rewarded with a beautiful grin before the small black head
whipped around and returned to her object of study.  Hotaru watched
mesmerized as the fireflies danced before her.  Soon, they would begin
to glow, she observed, and she trembled with anticipation.  Hotaru's
eyes lit up with amazement as they began to shine one by one, and
she leapt up to catch one of them.  She ran around the yard, her hands
grasping everywhere, trying in vain to catch one of them.  But they were
too quick for her, and she collapsed, exhausted.  Tears welled up in 
her eyes, and she wiped at them with fists balled up in frustration.
Her father, who had been watching the scene with amusement, ran over
and caught her up in his arms.

     "I think it is definitely bedtime for you, young lady," he said
firmly, but his eyes were smiling.

     "But Papa," Hotaru protested as the tears began once more, "I just
wanted to catch one of them and show it my room."

     "Well, they must be silly fireflies indeed to turn down an offer 
like that."
   
     Hotaru smiled at him despite herself.  "It would have been my . . ."
she searched for the word she wanted, her brow furrowed up in 
concentration.  "What was that word in the story we were reading the other
night, the one that began with a C?"

     "Ah,' he nodded in understanding as he entered the house and carried
her up to her room, "I believe the word you want is confidant."

     "That's it," she confirmed, "I wanted a confidant."  Her eyes were
shining as she spoke, as she thought how grownup and elegant she must 
sound.

     "Well, I'm sure that you'll find that confidant of yours," her 
father said gently as he laid her down in bed and pulled the covers over 
her.

     Hotaru smiled in her sleep as she dreamed of the future, of the day
when she would meet a friend whom she could share secrets with and who
would take her up on an invitation to see her room.