I huddled amidst the pile of ginger, my heart pounding like a drum in the stillness of the night. The tales of Ri Toto, the man-eating monster, filled my thoughts, and the memory of my sister's brave sacrifice weighed heavily on me.
Outside the hut, the malevolent presence of Ri Toto drew nearer. The sinister entity prowled, its eyes scanning the surroundings. It had already claimed one victim this night, and now it sought another.
As I lay concealed, every rustling leaf, every gust of wind, heightened my sense of terror. The darkness seemed to press upon me, and I clutched the ginger in desperation, hoping its pungent scent would shield me.
Moments passed, or perhaps it was hours; time lost meaning in my fear. Then, a sinister whisper slithered through the night, a chilling hiss that sent shivers down my spine. The voice was a sinister parody of a human's, an eerie mimicry that made my blood run cold.
"Come out, little one," the voice croaked. "I can smell your fear."
My heart raced as I clamped a hand over my mouth to stifle my sobs. I knew that any sound could betray my presence to the monster outside. But Ri Toto was persistent, its voice growing louder, its malevolence intensifying.
"Your sister couldn't save you," it taunted. "She's gone, just like all the others."
Tears streamed down my cheeks as the monster's words pierced my soul. I clung to the ginger like a lifeline, the pungent aroma providing a thin shield against the looming threat.
Outside, Ri Toto's shadowy figure moved closer to the hut. Its breath, hot and rancid, seeped through the cracks in the walls. My heart threatened to betray me, its frantic beating echoing in my ears.
But then, a miracle happened. A distant rooster crowed, its shrill call announcing the arrival of dawn. The first light of morning crept over the horizon, banishing the darkness that had concealed Ri Toto.
With an anguished howl, the creature retreated, its monstrous form dissipating like a wisp of smoke. I lay trembling amidst the ginger, my heart still pounding, my sister's sacrifice etched into my soul.
As the morning sun bathed the hillside farm in its golden glow, I emerged from my hiding place. My eyes fell upon the wooden box where my sister had concealed herself, but there was no sign of Li Zi Fei.
Tears welled in my eyes as I uncovered the box. Inside, I found the unmistakable stain of blood. My sister's warning had come true, and my heart ached with grief.