In that moment, Jiho felt a surge of inner strength, a fierce determination that she had never known before.
The shadow lingered for a moment longer before slowly retreating, its presence fading into the background.
Jiho exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her body relaxing slightly as the tension ebbed away.
With the basket in her hands, Jiho turned and walked away, her steps steady and purposeful. As she turned around, the old man suddenly appeared in front of her, his mocking smile unchanged.
