Submission (#5964) Approved

Mocha came back from her vacation feeling like a brand new nin. While she loved her job, she needed a break from her mundane life and time to really enjoy and expand on her hobbies. Now that she was back, she had to go back to her routine and begin preparing for the winter months. She knew that in Strynhalde, the winter months were exceptionally excruciating. The nin looked around her cozy cottage for last minute repairs before she started work on Monday but after a careful search, she found nothing to do. Sure she needed to stock up on non perishable foods, firewood, and reading material but other than that she was good. Her roof was patched up, her clothes didn’t need mending, and her dishes didn't need washing. This was so unlike her to be so on top of her chores. In years past, it would be mid winter before she was even remotely organized. “Wonderful!” Mocha grinned as she slumped on her couch with one of her novels. She had a large cup of cocoa in one hand and a fire blazing in front of her. A throw blanket covered her little legs. It was one her pomu made from the scrap cloth she had lying around. Mocha found it most effective to make her own clothing to save money and express her style. 

It was dark by the time Mocha realized she went around her whole day reading and relaxing. “I have to get ready!” She exclaimed and jumped to her feet. “What time is it?” She turned to her clock. “Three hours?” She exclaimed as she raced to the kitchen. She had to prepare meals for the next few days or she wouldn’t have lunch. When she opened the fridge, she was met with a surprise. Her meals were already made. She turned to her right in confusion and found her beloved pomu slicing and boiling potatoes. Her friend always took care of her and never complained. “Thank you!” she embraced her pomu. Her pomu embraced her back and passed her some potatoes that needed to be sliced. “It would be my pleasure!” Mocha smiled. The two of them peale,d cleaned, and sliced potatoes in a large pot. Mocha watched eagerly as her pomu showed her how to make nutritious potato stew. They passed her a wooden spoon and put their paws on hers. In large swooshing motion, the pomu showed her how to effectively mix. The secret ingredient she learned was a whole onion. Not only did it add flavor, but helped her immune system. Her pomu was great at helping her stay healthy. The two of them sat at the table and enjoyed their stew. Mocha told them about her upcoming week so that they knew when she’d be gone. Her pomu kept her sane and without them she would not be able to function. 

`With a full stomach, Mocha sauntered back to her couch and pulled out her planner. Marker in hand, she began to cross off and add on new plans. When she flipped to the next page, however, she saw she missed a crucial task. She meant to make her pomu a new sweater for this upcoming season. Both she and her pom grew a lot since the last season but she already updated her wardrobe. Her pomu didn't need much but a sweater would help protect them from the harsh colds. Mocha began to search for spare fabric but she found only enough to make a small napkin. “What do I use!” She signed, rubbing her head. She honestly only had a few hours to perform this miracle because once work started up again, the two of them were going to be busy every day of the week. Mocha paced around the house, digging in cabinets, closets, and baskets. “How could I have run out of spare fabric! We had so much!” It just did not make any sense. 

After an hour of searching, Mocha knew she had to sacrifice something of her own to make her pomu what they deserved. She went back into her closet once again and ran her paws down her clothing. She didn’t want to scrap any of it! It wasn’t until she saw a sweater she made earlier that year that she realized that this was the one for her pomu. She remembered after she made it how much they loved it. In fact, there were a few times she found them using it as a pillow even though they had a perfectly good one of their own. While they rested in the next room, Mocha quickly took out her fabric scissors and began to work her magic. Due to their bonded nature, she knew what size they were without even measuring. 

It was well past midnight when she finally admired her finished product. It took her much longer than she imagined but knew every minute she spent working on this sweater was well worth it. Trying to be as quiet as a mouse, she put it on a hanger and left it on her pomu’s door. It was a yellow wool sweater with bright red buttons and blue lace. It was too flashy for her own taste but she knew her pomu enjoyed the combination of colors. Her favorite part was not the fabric or details itself; however, but the custom made tag she spent most of her time creating for her pomu. It was a small embroidered heart with their faces in it. Underneath it read, best friends forever. It was perfect.

Mocha was so excited for her pomu to wear it she could barely sleep. When her alarm went off she jumped out of bed to see if they were up. When she got to their door, it was wide open and the sweater was nowhere to be found. Penic set in as she rushed to the kitchen. Sitting at the table was her pomu in their new outfit. They had huge smile on their face. In their paws was a drawing of the two of them holding hands in their new sweaters. “You’re very welcome. Thank you too for all you do!”