[Spamfic] [Ranma] "Shin-half"
By Henry J. Cobb
$Id: shinhalf.txt,v 1.2 1997/03/30 14:42:30 hcobb Exp $

"I hate okonomiyaki!"

Utchan peeled the okonomiyaki from were it had landed on her face, wiped
the sauce off and replied, quite calmly.  "Now Shinnosuke, you used to
like okonomiyaki so much."

"Well, I don't anymore!"

"Well, what do you want for breakfast?"

"Ice cream!"

"I'm sorry Shinnosuke, but you can't have ice cream for breakfast.  How
about some cereal?"

"If that's my only choice, then OK."

"I'll get it.  Mommy needs to wash up for work."

"Sugar dusted sweety pops!"

"OK, OK."  I came back with a bowl.

"Thanks daddy!  At least you don't try to poison me."  He lifted the
bowl and noisily slurped the concoction down.

Utchan returned in her chef's clothes.  "Shinnosuke, are you ready for
school now?"

"I gotta go!"

"Well, please hurry dear, you wouldn't want to be late."

She watched him rush off then turned back to me.  "Shin-chan reminds me
so much of his mother."

"You promised not to make such comparisons.  He's our boy now."

"At least Mr Tendo has that grandson he's always wanted."

"He spoils that child so."

"And I have you Ran-chan."

"And you spoil me so."  I gathered her into my arms.  "How's Shin-chan's
younger sibling coming along?"

"No complaints."  She pulled my head down for a kiss.  "We'll need to
close down one of the businesses for a while in a few months.  The
restaurant makes a lot more money."

"The Dojo is a matter of honor and the draw at the restaurant is you
Utchan.  Even my other form can't compare.  Maybe you can hire some
staff, now that the Ninja's run away."

I felt eyes on me and spun around.  "There you are Shin-chan.  Behave
yourself at school OK?"

"Aw, I wouldn't do anything you wouldn't do!"

"That's what I'm afraid of."

I watched them go, then turned to the family shrine.  "I'm sorry Akane.
For his sake, I couldn't wait.  I picked the best mother I could for
him.  I know that she was your friend too.  I hope you understand."

"You did the right thing son."  Soun placed his hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sure she does."

"Thanks.  Let's get ready for the first class."

	Henry J. Cobb	hcobb@slip.net          http://www.io.com/~hcobb