As Kelly's hand slipped into Katie's larger one, the now little girl couldnt help but feel how much smaller she was. They stepped outside and the whole world was huge and imposing to her. It made Kelly feel a little queesy. Katie seemed to notice this.
"Are you all right, honey bunny?" She asked.
Kelly nodded. "Fine mommy.." She hated saying that word. As the two walked down the way, katie stopped and looked at the house. "Ah...we are so lucky to live here in this place you know, Kelly."
Kelly nodded, but she wasnt really listening. She was slowly undoing the ring from her "mother's finger. She'd gotten it halfway down when she heard Katie giggle. "Kelly, honey, your shoelace came untied."
Kelly blinked and looked down to her pink sneaker. She didnt want to let go of the hand. She looked up to Katie, trying to decide on how to broach it. Katie of course misinterpreted the look.
"You want me to tie it honey? I know you're a big girl now but do you want me to? Just like old times?"
Kelly didnt say anything but Katie tugged her arm away and crouched down to tie the shoe. It took only a moment, and then she smiled. "See? Just like that."
Kelly forced a smile and katie giggled. "Oh, just look at you...." She said, taking the girl's hand with a heavy sigh. "Sometimes I just wish you never had to grow up."
Kelly felt a chill in her heart and a warmth from the ring just as it slipped off Katie's finger into her hand.