The early morning ride was wrapped in a soft, misty stillness, as if the world was just beginning to wake. Li Na settled back into her seat, the car's gentle hum lulling her into a fragile state between wakefulness and exhaustion.
Outside, the faint glow of dawn edged the horizon, casting a pale pink and gold wash over the quiet streets and trees lined the empty roads, swaying gently in a soothing rhythm.
Inside the car, it was peaceful, almost meditative. Li Na's eyelids drooped, her gaze drifting over the passing scenery without really seeing it. She was too tired to process much, her body heavy from the night's grueling work. A hint of warmth from the car's heater added to the comfort, pulling her deeper into a sense of calm, vulnerable moment she rarely showed. The occasional streetlight would flash across her face, highlighting the tired lines around her eyes, the faint shadows beneath them, only enhanced her beauty—something fragile, yet resilient.
