I'll pitch in for Taeko-san too. [ said so casually, like it wasn't even a question. ] I'd like for her to open something nice with everyone else, after everything she's done for us.

[ For Ryoko in particular. She knows it can't have been easy to suddenly have another teenager to feed and clothe and worry over but Taeko's been nothing but kind and generous – Ryoko wants to make sure she thanks her, properly. It's not usually her forte, but if it's true what they say that the thought is what counts then hopefully the sentiment will get across. ]

That's a good place to start, though, I think. Kaori-chan, then Taeko-san... and from there, if we haven't gotten anything for the others already we should at least have some ideas.

[ She's about to make her way onto the bike when a thought strikes her and she turns to Akira with that wry little smile of hers. ]

Come to think of it – should we be getting something for Taroimo as well?