She Sells Seashells Prompt

Near the end of their beach visit, Tsubaki took her sister with her to go browse the shops. Kasa was interested in many of the items the vendors were selling and already had two bags full of trinkets and souvenirs, but Tsubaki had yet to buy anything. She didn’t like to spend money unless it was necessary like for food or for top quality items that would help her live more lavishly. But from what she could see so far, nothing had stood out to her that she needed to have. 

The two were passing by a shop that sold seashells in various forms. From regular seashells to jewelry and everything in between. Tsubaki stopped suddenly and stared at two matching seashell necklaces. Her sister must have noticed her deep, concentrated look and the frown upon her lips. “Something wrong?” Kasa asked, nudging Tsubaki out of her reverie. 

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Tsubaki sighed and picked up one of the necklaces. “It’s the seashells.”

“The seashells are upsetting you?” Kasa asked skeptically as she raised an eyebrow.

“It’s just that, every seashell has a perfect match, right?” Tsubaki asked as she picked up the second necklace and pressed the seashells together, demonstrating how they fit perfectly. “Every single one.”

“I’m not sure what you’re getting at here.” Kasa responded honestly as she placed a hand on her hips and shifted her weight on one leg. 

“Do you think that people are like that too?” Tsubaki finally asked as she stared into Kasa’s eyes, looking lost. “That there’s someone out there who’s a perfect match for us, just like these seashells?” 

Ah, so that was what this was about. Kasa couldn’t say she fully understood her sister’s feelings. She had multiple partners and was very pleased with her love life, she couldn’t imagine it being any different. But she knew that her sister craved something more intimate with someone, and also feared it at the same time, thinking that her possessive tendencies would end up hurting both herself and whoever her partner was. Even if she couldn’t fully understand it, she sympathized with her.

“Hm, well,” Kasa started as she reached out and took the necklaces. Before saying more, she took them both to the counter and paid for them. Tsubaki looked surprised but didn’t comment on it as they then moved away from the counter to speak a bit more privately again. “As far as people go, I think everyone’s matches are different. Some might not have just one, or any special matches like that.”

Tsubaki deflated a bit, but Kasa continued. “However, that’s just the romantic sense.” Kasa explained as she held one of the necklaces out for Tsubaki to take. “I do think everyone has someone important that they can share things with, even if that someone was, say, a sister rather than a partner.” She winked as she moved to put on her necklace and waited for Tsubaki to do the same.

Tsubaki couldn’t help but smile as she put on her matching seashell necklace. “Maybe you’re right… thank you.”