Lady of the Garden
Elsewhere in Limelight Park, children rushed to meet a kind-looking woman, their hands full of various pieces of wood—everything from broken table legs to discarded cutting boards. Laughter can be heard through the park as they eagerly sought her attention, showing off the items they would brought, hoping she would transform them into something wonderful.
Catherine was that woman.
The moment Catherine arrived at Limelight Park with her daughter, she carried a carefully crafted plan to help elevate Kimmi social standing. Kimmi, who had always struggled with communication had long hindered her ability to connect with others. Her peculiar habits often led her into trouble, further isolating her.
Kimmi had barely spoken a word, and when she did, it was usually limited to basic expression like tired, hungry, bored, or want. Despite having some difficulty pronouncing certain words, she brushed it off with ease, and never faltered, even when people found it odd.
After years of medication and counseling, a remarkable improvement occurred. Kimmi started speaking with her more often, becoming more engaged in daily conversations with ease that suggested she had always been capable of expressing herself but had merely been waiting for the right moment to do so.
The death of her husband, Edward, may have been a catalyst for Kimmi sudden growth. They say that grief can push a person to change and grow, perhaps that what happened to her daughter. The loss of her father may have weighed so heavily on her that it forced her to change, to mature in ways no one could have predicted. Or so she believed.
Time slipped away.
Catherine hummed a cheerful tune as she skillfully carved a wooden figurine of an eagle. Each stroke of her knife brought the eagle to life, and soon the children gathered around in awe. As Catherine finished the carving, the crowd erupted into applause, their cheer echoing through the park.
She handed the eagle to the child who had requested it, and instantly, the other children eagerly raised their hands, waving their pieces of wood, hoping to receive their own personalized wooden figurines.
As delighted as Catherine was to fulfill the children requests, she had to pause. After long hour of carving, she felt tired, and her tools had grown increasingly dull from the extended use.
"Apologies, dear children," Catherine said with a graceful smile, her voice a soothing melody tinged with weariness. "Aunt Cane hands are quite tired from all the carving today. Perhaps another day."
The crowd of children froze in disbelief, their wide-eyed expressions shifting to murmurs of discontent. They exchanged glances, each silently blaming the other for this unfortunate turn of events. Whispers turned to wails, and soon, the children grew rowdy, their sadness echoing through the air like a tiny, chaotic orchestra.
For they knew their beloved toymaker, the source of their joy, was slipping away.
One of the little girls stood out from the rest, stepping forward with a bright, warm smile. She wore a purple dress with red trim around the edge, featuring a large bib-style pocket on the front. Her brown hair framed her face in soft waves, and her blue eyes shone with a mesmerizing gleam as she looked up at her.
"It's okay, Aunt Cane. We're all really thankful for the gift," she said, giggling as she hugged a small wooden figurine shaped like a person.
Though disappointed, the other children shared her sentiment. They chatted excitedly among themselves, already looking forward to their next chance to receive personalized figurines. As the crowd began to disperse happily, a few children remained behind, waiting patiently for Catherine to finish packing up.
As Catherine carefully returned each tool to its rightful place in her tool roll, the girl continued chatting with her.
"Aunt Cane, thank you so much for this beautiful gift!" the girl exclaimed, holding up the freshly carved figurine with pride. She then pulled out four more little figures from her bib pocket, each varying in height and shape.
"Look!" she said excitedly, lining them up in her hands. "Now I have the whole family!" She beamed, practically bouncing with joy, her enthusiasm warming Catherine heart.
Catherine smiled as she observed the figurines she had once carved, still cherished by the little girl. "Ah, Leyla, you've lingered," she remarked, carefully binding the tool roll and placing it in her bag. She gently brushed the remaining wood chips from her garments before continuing.
"Tell me, have you seen Kimmi? She should be here by now." Catherine glanced at the setting sun, her brow furrowing with a hint of concern as dusk approached.
Leyla paused, realizing that Kimmi, who was usually here by this time, was absent. A thought struck her. "Ruben should be with Kimmi, right? He always is." Ruben was always near Kimmi, watching her from a distance, though Kimmi usually ignored his presence, just as she did with everyone else.
Leyla eyes widened with sudden concern. "Oh no! Could it be that Ruben is at home and not here?" The thought of Kimmi wandering alone in the park terrified her, knowing Kimmi tendency to explore places where other children dared not venture.
As soon as Catherine heard Leyla words, she quickened her pace. She rose from the bench and began walking in the direction she had last seen her daughter pass. The children who had stayed behind with Catherine, quickly followed suit.
"Aunt Cane, please don't worry. I'm sure Kimmi isn't far," Leyla said, her tone calm and reassuring. She turned to the other children and clapped her hands sharply. "What are you all standing around for? Help Aunt Cane look for Kimmi!"
The children perked up and began to scatter, dashing in different directions as they scanned the area with determination.
"No, no!" Catherine called out, her voice rang high but soft and kind. "Children, you must return to your homes at once. Your families will surely be worried by now." Her word carried genuine concern, her eyes scanning the small crowd. "It is far too late for you to be wandering about in the dusk."
The children froze, exchanging confused glances, unsure whether to obey or continue searching. It was clear they preferred returning home only if accompanied by their beloved Aunt Cane, and the idea of searching for the missing Kimmi seemed to add an element of fun. Whispers rose among them, but none dared to defy Catherine directly.
Leyla crossed her arms with a long sigh, her sharp eyes between her peers. "You heard her—go home!" she said, her voice tinged with a mix of authority and annoyance. "I'm more than capable of finding Kimmi on my own. After all, we're practically best friends!"
The children exchanged doubtful looks, their skepticism to Leyla was obvious. It was clear they did not believe a single word coming from her mouth.
"Leyla, that goes for you, too," Catherine said, levelling her gaze at the bold girl.
Leyla folded her arms and smiled sweetly, clearly prepared for this. "Don't worry about me, Aunt Cane. Our houses are right next to each other, and my parent won't be back until late anyway." Her eyes sparkled with knowing lies. "I was hoping we could all walk home together—with Kimmi as well!"
Catherine frowned slightly, recognizing Leyla's familiar stubborn streak. "Leyla, I see," she said, her tone sceptical. "But what about your elder brother? Won't he worry about you?" Catherine was well-acquainted with the child family and knew that her brother was likely at home.
Leyla clasped her hands together and pleaded with exaggerated before hugging Catherine leg holding her in places. "Just this once, Aunt Cane! Please"
Catherine hesitated, not entirely sure why the girl was so insistent. Still, she knew Leyla was sharp and might have some insight into where Kimmi could be. With a heavy sigh, she relented. "Very well, but stay close to me, understood?"
"Yes!" Leyla cheered, her face lighting up with excitement. She glanced back at the other children with a smug look, as if to show off her special privilege.
The other children, seeing Leyla triumphant grin, quickly grew envious. They swarmed Catherine, pleading in unison. "Aunt cane, let us help, too! We'll be careful, promise!"
Catherine pressed a hand to her forehead, feeling the pressure mount. Despite her reservations, she relented once again, letting the group stay together under her supervision. "Very well," she said at last, her voice carrying both resolve and exasperation. "But you must heed my instructions and stay close to me. Understands?"
"Yes, Aunt Cane!" the children chorused enthusiastically, forming a buzzing little troupe ready to join the search for Kimmi.
The crowd grew still as dusk began to spill.
As Catherine walked deeper into the park, her heart weighed heavy with worry for her daughter. With each step, her thoughts become more frantic. The shadows lengthened, and more people trickled out of the park, leaving it eerily quiet. The once lively place was now unnervingly still, heightening Catherine sense of fear. She scanned each path and corner, desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of her daughter familiar figure.
Suddenly, a boy burst from the shadows, his face pale and nervous. "Aunt Cane! Aunt Cane!" he gasped, barely able to catch his breath. "It's Kimmi—she's hurt!" His words came out in a panicky rush, sending a chill through Catherine heart.
Leyla and the other children gasped as they heard the boy and glanced at Catherine worryingly.
Catherine heart lurched, and her breath hitched in her chest. "Take me to her. Now!" her voice cut through the air, sharp with urgency and fear. Without a hesitation, the boy nodded and led the way, his footsteps quicken as Catherine and other children followed closely behind.
At the same time, in places far apart, a belief fades away, while another falls apart.
Chaotic Embrace
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" she whispered again and again, her voice trembling and barely audible.
Kimmi stood frozen, a strange, eerie smile curving her lips as her thoughts scrambled to make sense of the chaos around her. Unconsciously, she muttered apologies to Logan and Ruben, unsure whether she was seeking forgiveness or help.
Kimmi mind raced in a frenzy, unable to grasp the full scope of what was happening. A creeping sense of paranoia gnawed at her, a familiar feeling she had faced before. She recognized this desperation—she had battled it when trying to adjust to her new life a week ago.
She could not recall how she managed to overcome it then, but she knew it would pass again. All she had to do was strengthen her resolve—or uncover the source of this overwhelming fear.
'Yes,' Kimmi thought, a spark of clarity forming. 'Mysticism.'
She scoffed at the idea. She had never believed in such things, nor did she want to. But belief was not the issue—she simply could not comprehend it. To her, everything had an explanation, even if it eluded her at times.
Yet now, something intangible seemed to be interfering with her life. Could she continue to ignore it, or was it time to confront something she could not explain. 'Am I really losing control? Am I losing my mind?' The question lingered, as her minds battled with the possibility that she was breaking down. She could not make sense of it—unless, of course, she become insane.
Kimmi was baffled by her inability to land a punch. It was as if some invisible force was deliberately thwarting her attempt, manipulating her movements as though she were a marionette on strings. This unsettling realization hinted that there indeed a divine intervention at play.
Determined to find answer, Kimmi reflected on an insight she had moment earlier. She had hit the lamppost to prove something to herself—to test the existence of this mysterious force. If she could successfully land a punch on the lamppost, it would suggest that Logan and Ruben were, in fact, protected by this unknown presence.
Her reasoning was simple.
If something had a soul, life, or any form of consciousness, perhaps she would be unable to harm it. If that was true, then the opposite could also be true—she should be able to hit something lifeless, soulless—nothing more than a mere object without interference.
But when she finally acted on it, the result was far more horrifying that she ever expected.
The idea that a divine presence might be watching and evaluating her actions made her nervous, as if numerous eyes were judging her every move.
Kimmi was terrified of the unseen entity that seemed can control her actions. It was an entity she could not bargain with, one that observed her every move and saw everything she did. It was a force beyond her control, and the fear of its influence gripped her deeply.
Kimmi began to muter quietly, 'What are you? Where are you?' her eyes darted left and right and as she questions herself. 'Who am I…' then sudden, an eerie voice whisper in her mind.
A Rogue… A…
The moment Kimmi heard the faint echo of a response deep within her mind, panic set in. Her heart raced, her breath quickened, and a sudden static buzz filled her ears, drowning out the words. Sweat trickled down her forehead as her chest tightened, the weight of fear pressing heavily upon her.
"I'm sorry…" Kimmi whispered, her voice trembling and barely audible. She closed her eyes tightly.
She apologies again, but this time, she did not know whom she was apologizing to. Was it her instinct taking over, or an attempt to appease the unknown entity—a reflex born from the depths of her subconscious.
As the voice and the buzzing noise continued to torment her, Kimmi clamped her hands over her ears as and crouched down, tears welling in her eyes. She felt weak and helpless, her body feeling as if it were losing all its strength.
The voice repeated itself again, louder this time, reverberating through her mind.
A Rogue… A Reaver… A…
Once again, the buzzing noise tore through her ear, drowning out the eerie whispers. 'Pull yourself together, Kimmi!' she thought desperately, struggling to focus on the unsettling nature of the voice.
Determined to understand the message, Kimmi fought to steady her thoughts. 'This isn't real. It's just stress,' she lied to herself, trying to quell the rising fear. Her mind clung to the rational explanation as a mean to anchor herself, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of her resolve.
A Rogue… A Reaver… A Mender…
The words continued to echo in her mind, each one distinct but collectively oppressive. Kimmi struggled to grasp their meaning, her thoughts swirling in confusion.
Then, a sudden clarity struck her. "A rogue…," she muttered, the term echoing ominously in her mind. The word struck a chord with her, resonating deeply. "I am a rogue," she whispered, the term seeming to fit her circumstances.
She remembered nothing and owned nothing of her own—everything she had was handed to her, even her name, her very identity. Deep down, she knew that what was given was not truly hers to keep, as if she were merely borrowing pieces of a life that did not belong to her.
In her confused state, the word 'Rogue' echoed in her mind. It carried the weight of deceit and detachment, a word that felt like dark reflection of the emptiness inside her---a rogue in every sense, disconnected, uncertain, lost in a world that barely felt her own.
The moment she uttered the word 'Rogue,' the buzzing noise began to fade, and the eerie voices in her head ceased. Everything grew quiet and still, as her fear and pain melted away, replaced by an unsettling emptiness. Kimmi felt lightheaded, as if something had shifted within her, leaving her uncertain of what had changed.
In the silence, Kimmi finally became aware of her surroundings. Her though drifted toward the two boys beside her. To her surprise, Ruben and Logan were close, Kneeling beside her with worried and slightly anxious expressions. Their faces were tense with concern, and Kimmi could see the unease reflected in their eyes.
"Hey, Ruben give her the thing…" Logan look and pointing at Ruben trinket that he was wearing around his neck, a square folded linen.
Ruben grabs his trinket and pull it off his neck, causing the string around his neck to break lose. He then pinches black folded linen in his hand, causing it to made 'Pop' sound and release an aromatic smell that tingled Kimmi nose.
Logan, meanwhile, shifted behind her.
"Hey, Kimmi, look here! Kimmi, bite this!" Ruben dangled the black linen in front of her, trying to catch her attention.
Kimmi eyed Ruben action suspiciously. "Damn…" she muttered, narrowing her eyes. She does not know what these boys were up to, but it had to be something she would not like.
The moment Ruben saw an opening, he pushed the black linen toward her lips, but Kimmi swiftly turned her head to the side, avoiding it. Undeterred by his failure, Ruben tried again, this time exchanging a knowing glance with Logan.
Logan gave a slight nod, then moved in, attempting to hold Kimmi in place.
Kimmi understood their gestures and their intent. She steeled herself, preparing to defend against whatever they were planning.
Beneath the cloak of moonlit skies…
As she readied herself to hunker down, she heard a faint whisper on her left ear—a sweet, familiar voice, a voice of her own. She quickly turned her head in the direction of the sound but found no one there.
While still on struggle to escape, she recognizes she could not rely on brute force. Instead, she curled down, locking herself into a defensive position with her knees pulled tightly to her chest, fortifying her body against any attempts to overpower her. Though her head was bowed, her eyes remained sharp, scanning her surroundings.
…A rogue with cunning in her eyes.
With trickery that weaves and bends,
Her art of deceit knows no end…
Then she heard it—the whisper—and she sense that the voice was not coming from her surrounding but from her own head. The whisper continues….
…A leaf adrift on whispered breeze,
She dodges blows with practiced ease.
In every sweep, she shifts and glides,
A fleeting form where danger collides.
She strikes with purpose, keen and sly,
To undermine where weakness lie.
With precision sharp, she finds the seam,
To break the will of every scheme.
And as she fights, her fingers swift,
She steals away with subtle Shift.
In the heat of battle, quick and tight,
She takes what's not her, out of sight.
Kimmi was mesmerized by the eerie, ghostly melody. It soothing her restless urges, lulling her into a dreamy state, as if she were drifting among the clouds.
But just when her mind began to drowse away, a rush of vitality coursed through her veins, igniting her adrenaline and propelling her heart into a rapid rhythm. Her eyes flew open, drawn back from the brink of slumber, overwhelmed by an exhilarating sense of excitement.
Meanwhile, Logan grip tightened, his muscles straining as he fought Kimmi sudden, fierce resistance. Growing irritated, He pressed harder, his finger scrambling to pin her arms and legs down, yet every attempt felt like a losing battle.
The two of them wrestled on the ground, with Kimmi curled up defensively, her head and face protected behind her arms. Logan hugged her from behind, struggling for control as he throwing frustrated glances toward Ruben, who was still struggling to carry out his task.
"Ruben, what are you waiting for? Now, feed her the damn thing!" Logan voice cracked with frustration, his anger flaring as he struggled to pry Kimmi arms apart.
"Hold her, not hurt her, Logan!" Ruben shouted, his voice laced with panic. His eyes darted between Logan strained grip to Kimmi desperate movements, realizing how close Logan was to losing control.
Ruben hand shook as he tried again to slip the linen toward Kimmi mouth, bur her arm was firmly guarding her face, blocking his every attempt.
"Shut up and do your job!" Logan snapped back, his frustration written all over his face. He was already on edge, and Ruben reminder only seemed to make him tense—almost offended by the implication.
Then, in a sudden, fluid motion, Kimmi kicked the kneeling Ruben away, knocking him backward and sending him sprawling across the ground. She continued to roll by twisting her body around quickly, causing Logan to lose his grip completely.
In an instant, Kimmi sprang up from the ground almost like a dance, surprising both Ruben and Logan with her swift movement.
Kimmi felt a thrilling lightness in her body as she looked at Ruben and Logan, who stared back at her in stunned surprise. A spark of mischief danced in her eyes, and she grinned, clearly pleased with herself.
"Heh!" she scoffed, raising her hands and gave herself a slow, dramatic clap. "Did you really think you could catch me? I'm Kimmi—the uncatchable!" Her laugher filled the air, almost daring them to give chase.
Her laughter rang out and her hands clapping in rhythm as she danced circles around the two boys. Logan, sitting on the ground with his arms crossed, shot her an unimpressed glare, his eyes rolling dramatically. Meanwhile, Ruben clutched his chest, his face twisted in pain.
Kimmi continued to spun and danced in circles around the two boys. Her arms were outstretched in playful mockery, and with each step, she leaped and landed gracefully, adding an extra twirl as if she had rehearsed the routine countless times.
"How very witty of you," Kimmi sneered, placing her hands on her hips and lifting her chin proudly. "Oh, you really thought you had me?" Kimmi mocked, revealing the folded linen with a string looped around her finger, swinging it with a mischievous grin. "You can never catch the Elusive Thief!"
Ruben eyes went wide as he noticed the folded linen in Kimmi hand. He frantically patted his clothes, and noticing it was indeed his, his face flushed with embarrassment. Logan caught Ruben bewilderment and gave him a slow, incredulous head shake, his expression plainly saying, Unbelievable.
Kimmi suddenly stopped, her smug grin vanishing in an instant, replaced by wide-eyed alarm. Her posture stiffened, and her breath hitched as a wave of shock washed over her, freezing her in place. She had just discovered something extraordinary—her own agility, a newfound ability to perform acrobatics.
But alongside this, she felt an unsettling shift within herself, as if her very personality was changing, transforming into something foreign and almost unbearable.
'What in the world was that?' she thought, her mind spiraling with a mix of bewilderment and awkwardness. 'Did I just make an absolute fool of myself?' Her cheeks flushed crimson as the weight of her own perceived humiliation set in.
As Kimmi contemplated her unusual behavior, her thoughts were interrupted by the distant sound of hurried footsteps. A crowd was approaching, the rhythmic thud of their movement growing louder with each second.
Turning toward the commotion, Kimmi spotted Catherine leading a group of children, all trailing close behind her.
Surprisingly, Kimmi did not feel alarmed or anxious at the sight of her mother. Instead, a wave of relief washed over her, a soothing sense of safety. She was found. Her gaze shifted to Logan and Ruben—the bullies.
'Perfect,' she mused. 'Now they'll get what's coming to them.' Feeling bold, she fixed them with a mischievous look. "Just you wait," she declared, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "I'm going to tell my mother you've been bullying me!"
Ruben stiffened, his face pale as he hurriedly brushed the dirt from his clothes, as though that could erase the evidence of their scuffle. Logan, on the other hand, remained seated on the ground, his eyes closed and his expression unreadable.
Neither spoke a word, their silence speaking volumes. It was as if they had already resigned themselves to their fate.
'Curious…' Kimmi tilted her head, studying them intently. Her thoughts, however, drifted elsewhere as her eyes wandered to the trees. One branch in particular caught her attention, its shadow swaying faintly in the breeze. Her heart skipped. The urge had returned. It whispered to her, silent but insistent, telling her that someone was there—waiting, watching. She just needed to be patient.
Logan followed her gaze, his brows furrowing as if he, too, sensed something. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself, clenching his jaw tightly. His face shifted to anger and annoyance looking at Kimmi.
A shift of her soul, and fate it follow.
Catherine finally arrived at her daughter whereabouts.
Before they reached the spot the boy had described, Catherine caught the faint sound of her daughter voice—a taunting laugh, cheerful and haughty for her usual behavior.
In the distance, she saw Kimmi swinging something back and forth in her hand, letting it dangle lazily as if toying with it, deliberately drawing the attention of Ruben and Logan. Catherine cast a curious look at her daughter, thinking that Kimmi had always been mischievous, but she had never seen her brimming with such joy before.
Catherine gaze then sifted to Ruben, who seem to be in distress, his clothes stained with blood. Her stomach churned, and she instinctively turned her attention back to Kimmi, scanning her from head to toe. That's when she saw it—her daughter's hands, slick with blood.
Catherine quickened her pace toward Kimmi, her face set in a serious expression. Kimmi noticed her mother swift, almost intense approach and gulped nervously. When Catherine reached her, she gently but firmly took Kimmi face in her hands, tilting it slightly from side to side.
Kimmi blinked, surprised and unsure of what her mother was looking for, meeting her gaze with curiosity. For a moment, she was captivated by Catherine emerald green gaze—the same vivid green as her own.
Catherine expression softened, and gave Kimmi cheek a gentle squeeze, easing her own stern look. Then lifted Kimmi hand, examining her knuckles. Seeing only minor scrapes and bruises, Catherine sighed in relief, reassured that the injury was nothing serious.
Logan, spotting Catherine, quickly stood up from the ground, brushing off the leaves clinging to his clothes. He hesitated before standing beside Kimmi, a flicker of guilt crossing his face.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Cane," Logan said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of remorse. "I didn't mean for Kimmi to hurt herself. She… she knocked into a pole and injured her hand."
Kimmi narrowed her eyes, clearly frustrated with Logan attempt to control the narrative. "That's only half the truth..."
Logan shifted uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck. "I made Kimmi angry... I didn't mean to."
Kimmi shot back, her voice sharp with indignation, "Yeah! He threw a stone at me and mocked me, too!"
Logan's face turned bright red with embarrassment and frustration. He glanced at Ruben, who stood quietly, avoiding eye contact and not offering any help. The silence hung heavy between them.
Catherine stood quietly, absorbing the exchange. She had already heard Logan's side from the boy who had led her here, and the boy's version painted a picture of Logan provoking Kimmi, causing her to hurt herself in the process.
"Logan," Catherine said softly, her voice filled with concern, "I know you're not the type of boy to be cruel. So tell me... what's going on? What's bothering you?" She knew Logan well enough to recognize that this was not like him. He was the one she trusted most with Kimmi—always there to temper her daughter antic.
Logan face darkened. His gaze dropped, and he struggled to find the words. After a long pause, he simply closed his eyes, his expression one of inner turmoil. Then, without warning, he turned and bolted, running off into the distance.
"Figure, a coward," Leyla muttered, still following Catherine. She listened to the argument and realized that Logan was the perpetrator.
The other children that stayed also have similar sentiment.
Catherine heart sank as she watched him go. She could feel the weight of his departure, the sadness settling in her chest. It hurt to see Logan pulling away from her, especially when she knew how important he was to her family.
She turned her gaze to Ruben, who had been quietly standing nearby, watching the exchange. "How about you, Ruben?" she asked, her voice steady but carrying a hint of disappointment.
Ruben looked down, avoiding her gaze. His shoulders slumped under the weight of the situation. "I'm sorry, Aunt Cane..." He hesitated, searching for words, but they didn't come easily. "I should've done more... I failed to stop Logan, and I didn't do enough to help Kimmi." His voice was quiet, filled with regret, and his eyes darted nervously between Catherine and Kimmi, as though seeking approval for his apology but unsure of it.
Catherine observed him, noticing the genuine remorse in his expression. She appreciated the honesty, but the situation still weighed heavily on her heart. Her gaze turn back to her daughter which already distracted watching trees around her ignoring wound on her hand.
Catherine walked toward Kimmi, her arms open, ready to embrace her daughter, but Kimmi instinctively stepped back, dodging the hug. It happened without her thinking. The movement was swift, almost as if her body had it own will.
Kimmi froze, her eyes wide, confused by her own reaction. She had not planned to pull away—yet, she did it unconsciously. 'What just happened?' The uncertainty clouded her mind for a brief moment.
Catherine, sensing her daughter's discomfort, glanced down at a folded linen at her daughter palm. "Kimmi, my dear, bite that linen," she said softly, pointing toward the cloth.
Kimmi furrowed her brows, still somewhat perplexed. "Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"It's medicine for the pain," Catherine replied, her eyes shifting to Kimmi injured hand. "Does it not hurt?"
Kimmi looked at her hand, the confusion deepening. She had not really noticed any pain, despite the bruising and swelling. She had been so caught up in the moment that she had ignored the injury altogether. But now, as she took a closer look, the extent of the bruise became clear. She should have felt some sharp sting, but there was nothing. Her body seemed to be numb to it, which only added to the growing mystery surrounding her condition.
Realizing the situation was stranger than she first thought, Kimmi bit down on the linen, her teeth sinking into the soft fabric. Almost immediately, something strange began to wash over her. Her mind seemed to expand, and her vision sharpened, but everything else around her faded into an eerie silence. The world felt distant, muted, as though it were a separate reality altogether. The only thing she could focus on now was her mother voice.
"Let's go home," Catherine said, her voice clear and reassuring. She motioned for the children to follow her as she took Kimmi hand, leading the group of children who had stayed behind to help. Together, they walked, a quiet unity forming as they headed home, with Kimmi safely in tow.