The Able Sisters

Chapter 21

"Thank you! Come again!" Sable called as the last villagers exited the shop. The sky was dark out already, and stars were twinkling in the sky. 

It had been about a month now since Sable had opened the shop up again. As Tortimer had warned her, the first week was a nightmare. The shop was always sold out, she was constantly sewing, and she even considered quitting. But soon the crowds had died down, and they were getting decent business.

With February nearly upon them, Sable knew springtime would soon be on the way. She couldn't wait to ditch her warm coat and not worry about Mabel's fingers freezing up. She was looking forward to a time of rebirth and growth.

With another month gone, it meant another month that Label did not return. There would always be a part of Sable wishing that her sister would reappear, but the rational part of her knew that Label would not be returning anytime soon.

So, for the time being, she worked the shop, Mabel played, and they ate well. They were making significantly more bells than before, and for once, Sable didn't feel like they were going to go broke.

As soon as Sable locked the door to the shop, she grabbed her broom and began to sweep while Mabel hid in the clothes displays and giggled.

"Hey, it's past your bedtime," Sable told Mabel.

Mabel giggled once more and climbed onto the stool, watching as Sable swept the floor. There wouldn't be too much sewing left to do. They hadn't come close to going out of stock today, which relieved Sable. She wasn't sure how much longer her aching hands could take it.

Once the shop was cleaned and items were restocked, Sable brought her younger sister upstairs and got her ready for bed. Sable grinned as Mabel ran around in her yellow pajamas, going on and on about the day.

"You're really not tired?" Sable asked her sister.

Mabel shook her head.

"But it's bedtime," Sable pointed out.

The small hedgehog didn't appear to hear. She did another lap before collapsing in front of the fireplace, giggling to herself.

"Come here," Sable called. Her sister crawled up onto the couch with her and snuggled against her. Sable grinned and held her closer, feeling Mabel's warm breath against her.

"I miss Label," Mabel muttered quietly.

Sable froze. She had not brought up her sister within the month, but she knew Mabel was smart and must have caught on at some point. Sable glanced down at her sister.

"You do?"

Mabel nodded. "When is she coming back?"

Sable sighed. She had not wanted to have a talk like this for Mabel for a while, but she knew it was much overdue.

I'll focus on Label first, she told herself.

"I-I don't think she's coming back," Sable told her.

Mabel's eyes widened. "What?! Where's sissy?!"

Sable patted Mabel on the back some. "Sissy is out in the world doing amazing things," Sable told Mabel. "She's going to the city to follow her dream. Aren't you happy for her?"

"Yes, but...I'll miss her," Mabel whimpered.

"I'm sure she misses you just as much," Sable told her. 

"Why can't she come here?"

"Because Label can only really start her career in the city. There are no fashion designers in this old town," Sable said, tickling her. Mabel giggled, then looked sad again.

"Will she visit?"

"I don't know," Sable replied. "She might be very busy."

"We can write!" Mabel exclaimed.

"Well, I don't know about that...Listen, you keep on thinking of Label and wishing her good luck," Sable told her. "And maybe when she gets that dream she can come back here and share it with us."

"Really?" Mabel gasped.

"Really," Sable replied. 

"If Label comes back, will Mommy and Daddy come back?" Mabel asked.

"Mabel...I-I thought we talked about this," Sable said softly. "Mommy and Daddy aren't coming back."

"I wish they will," Mabel whispered.

Sable sighed. "Well, let's wish on Label for now."

Mabel nodded her head and let out a big yawn. Sable escorted her younger sister to her room and tucked her in. She grinned and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Good night," she told Mabel.

"Night," Mabel mumbled before turning over and closing her eyes. Sable shut the door and took a seat on the couch. 

She warmed her hands by the fire and fixed herself a nice cup of tea. The world seemed especially quiet tonight. She wondered what it was like in the city, if the hustle and bustle of cars kept Label up at night.

It was then that Sable heard the tiniest of noises coming from the bedroom. She hesitantly set her cup down on the table and tiptoed to where Mabel was sleeping. She pressed an ear against the door and heard the faintest sobs.

Immediately, her heart broke. She placed her claws around the handle, but hesitated. Mabel would never understand if Sable was constantly comforting her and spewing false hope like she had with Label.

Tears came to Sable's eyes too, but she had to remain strong for Mabel. She sat against the door until she heard the cries go away. Sable breathed in relief, happy to know her sister was fast asleep.

Sable washed her cup of tea and peered out the window. Snow was beginning to softly fall. Sable sighed and shook her head. It seemed as if winter would never end.

Sable let out a yawn and put out the fire. The warmth filling the room soon dissolved. Sable quietly entered the bedroom, glad to see Mabel fast asleep in her bed. She crawled into her own bed now and listened to the quiet breaths of her sister before falling asleep, dreaming perhaps that Label would return too.