She was greeted by Sakura first; the cheerful girl with great cooking skills---at least<em>better</em>than her own---and smiled at the mention of her strawberries.  Sure, they were<em> just</em>strawberries, if it made<em>one</em>person happy, Makoto was happy.<br/><br/>She reached into her box and retrieved four small plastic containers of strawberries and handed them to the younger, chipper female.<br/><br/>"I hope they'll be good enough.  Crops were not so great this season, but I did my best.  If anything, they'll be good to<em>snack</em>on...heh..."<br/><br/>She then turned her attention to the approaching Oishi and nodded.  "No problem, I'm sure you'll get<em>something</em>out of this stuff.  Hopefully, next season will be better..."  She chuckled weakly before hearing Sarashi speak up beside her.<br/><br/>Blushing, she lowered her gaze to the floor.  "He's doing<em>very</em>well.<em> Much</em>progress.  In no time, he'll be just like<em>any</em>horse on the farms; if not<em>better</em>."<br/><br/>The mention of Sarashi's horse, Besaba, giving birth caught her attention and she lifted her eyes back up.  Was it<em>that</em>time already?  The seasons just seemed to flash right before her eyes and now another life was going to be brought into the world.<br/><br/>When his voice centered on her to help him, her heart picked up on beat.  "Of course I can!"<br/><br/>And then she stopped speaking; remembering the promise of drinks from Oishi.  Rubbing the back of her head bashfully, she turned to the inn/bar keeper and chuckled.  "Sorry, Oishi, but as much as I'd<em> like</em>to take your offer---and believe me, I could<em>use</em>a drink or two right about now, but it's too early for that---Sarashi needs my help and I<em> can't</em>let him do it alone."<br/><br/>She turned to face Sarashi and smiled warmly.  "You bet I'll be there!  Makoto Yoshida<em>doesn't</em>turn her back to those in need!"