That Time My Late Husband Was Reincarnated as an Oni

Chatper 1: A Fresh Start

A quiet afternoon, with only the sound of a koto could be heard. A soft melody plays through the forest. Following the sounds leads one to a small estate, built in a traditional Japanese fashion. A small stream flows through the courtyard, as a sōzu clacks on the rocks. On the front porch of the house, sat a serene kyubi no kitsune. Hikari hummed softly to the sound of the Koto as she played, enjoying the sound of nature accompanying her music. As she finished her slow song, she moves the instrument aside and stands up, her nine tails spreading out as she stretched.

"Mother!" A voice called from behind her. Standing in the front door was a doll with white hair, and wearing a black and purple striped kimono. "Dinner is ready. Come eat." Cheryl says with a smile.

"Ah, thank you Cheryl." Hikari smiled and makes her way inside the house. The tatami mat floors make no sound as the two walk. They enter the kitchen as a second doll in a black and red kimono was setting up the table for her.

"I hope you enjoy the food. We worked hard on it." Sherrie says with a bow.

"I'm positive I will, Sherrie. Thank you for the food." Hikari sits and claps her hands together. She simply sits there, however, then looks at the two dolls. "You two can sit, you know?"

"It's okay, Mother. We're dolls. We don't require sustenance." Sherrie says.

"Be that as it may, you are still my children. And I wish to enjoy my meal with them. So sit." Hikari would simply giggle, as both girls sit at the table with her. "There we go. See? Even if you aren't eating, it's nice to just sit and chat." She smiles and takes her first bite of the food prepared with her chopsticks. "Oh my..."

This reaction wasn't one the twin dolls were expecting. "Is it...?"

"Not good?" The twins asked, finishing each other's sentences.

Hikari chewed slowly, then swallowed. "That's not what I meant. It's delicious." She smiles, and eagerly takes another bite. Once again, she chews slowly to savor the flavor, and swallows. "The meat is very tender, and melts in my mouth. The seasoning is masterfully done and mixed. And the rice is just perfect." She appraises the meal prepared for her, then takes a sip of the miso soup. "And the soup is amazingly smooth. I couldn't ask for a better meal, thank you."

Hikari's heartfelt praise made the two dolls' expressions light up as well. "Thank you, Mother...!" Sherrie says happily.

"Yay! I've never been happier in my life...!" Cheryl cheered and wanted to hug Hikari, but she was held back by Sherrie so she doesn't make a mess on the table.

"I'll go and prepare a bath for you, Mother." Sherrie says as she stands up and leaves the table.

"Ah! I'll get the dishes done then!" Cheryl also left to get the last chore of the day done as Hikari finished her food. She picks up the bowls and takes them to the kitchen, where Cheryl was washing and putting away the other dishes used throughout the day.

Once that was done, Hikari made her to the bathroom, as Sherrie bows and leaves after getting the water nice and warm. Life for Hikari was good. She had a nice home close to a kind and understanding village, two wonderful daughters, and no fighting or violence whatsoever in months.

How could things go wrong?