Though she didn't fully understand, Ice Soul diligently managed her three little homes. Until one late night,…
Though she didn't fully understand, Ice Soul diligently managed her three little homes.
Until one late night, her door was knocked upon.
The visitor was a sweet-smelling elder sister. Stepping in on beams of light, the golden flower pinned in her hair shone brightly.
"I knocked on many doors, but no one answered. You are the first to respond."
"I am a traveler passing through. Thirsty and hungry late at night... might I trouble you for a bowl of water?"
Ice Soul rubbed her eyes and politely invited the elder sister inside.
Opening the cupboard, Ice Soul found this home's water and food long gone. After all, she hadn't stayed here much.
Hugging the jar, she stammered an apology to the guest.
"S-sorry, there's no water or food here. Please wait, I'll go find some!"
"Take your time..." the guest smiled gently.
It was strange. She was the host, yet the elder sister sitting on the chair carried an air of unshakable composure.
Groping her way to the river behind the house in the dark, Ice Soul lost count of her falls. So strange—tonight's darkness was so thick she couldn't see the path.
Ice Soul had to widen her eyes and prick her ears to barely hear the river's flow. She submerged the water jar.
Suddenly, Ice Soul's eyes widened—
Because she discovered the moon that should have been reflected in the water had vanished.
Looking up, only blackness remained in the sky. Utter silence, even the stars had lost their voices.
Only her own heartbeat and the murmuring water remained. Ice Soul cried out and hurried back home.