One morning, while picking berries near her home, a young woman heard a faint cry of a child. Her delicate and slender figure moved effortlessly through the dense bushes. Her night-sky-colored hair was neatly braided, though a few loose strands softened her appearance. Her face remained focused, and her eyes reflected a mix of wariness and determination — she had learned to rely only on herself.

Listening carefully, she cautiously made her way through the thicket. The smell of blood hit her nose, triggering immediate alarm. In a small clearing, a man lay motionless, his clothes soaked in blood. In his hands, he held a bundle.

So-Yeon froze. Memories of her past life flickered in her mind — a life in another world where she had been a successful deputy director. Everything had ended abruptly in a catastrophic event, leaving her past life as a painful shadow of unfulfilled dreams.

The child's cry snapped her out of her thoughts. With trembling fingers, she unwrapped the cloth. Inside was an infant. A tiny face with bright blue eyes looked up at her with boundless trust and hope, as if the child already knew this woman would be her protector.

"What are you doing here...?" she whispered, holding the baby close to her chest. Her heart began to race, and an unexpected surge of protective instinct ignited within her.

So-Yeon knew she had to save the girl, no matter what. She stood up, clutching the infant tightly.

"Ellie," she said softly, "you will be Ellie."

She had no idea that this moment would change her life forever.

Six years ago, So-Yeon brought Ellie to their modest forest cabin, wrapping the infant in a clean but worn cloak. The baby was kept warm in her comforting embrace during the chilly night. For the first time in a long while, So-Yeon felt that her life had found meaning.

Every morning, she learned how to be a mother, despite having no experience or support. Her efforts bore fruit: over time, her ability to care for the child improved. She learned to cook healthy porridge, craft toys from simple materials, and even sing lullabies, though her voice was far from perfect. Ellie responded with genuine affection and warm laughter, which gave So-Yeon the strength to move forward. She found joy in every little thing Ellie did — her first words, her first steps.

Six years passed. Ellie had grown into a cheerful, curious girl. Her light hair fell in soft waves around her face, and her eyes, like a reflection of the sky, always shone with curiosity. She helped So-Yeon gather herbs, asked endless questions about the world, and eagerly learned to make simple remedies. In her hands, the forest seemed to come alive — Ellie appeared to be a part of nature itself.

Each day was filled with laughter, games, and small discoveries. Ellie loved exploring the forest and always returned with treasures: beautiful stones, rare leaves, or bird feathers. So-Yeon tried to teach her everything she knew, but at times, it seemed as though Ellie knew the forest better than she did.

"Ellie, are you sure you want to come with me?" So-Yeon asked as she checked the basket of medicines. Her voice held a hint of doubt that she tried to conceal. The thought of going to the city filled her with unease. What if people there are unfriendly? What if I can't protect Ellie? These questions never left her mind.

"Of course! I want to see how people live outside the forest," Ellie replied cheerfully, her voice ringing like a brook and filling the cabin with life.

But the real reason for their trip was different: their supply of rare herbs needed for medicines had run out. So-Yeon realized it was time to try selling her remedies in the city to earn money for necessary supplies. The forest could no longer provide them with everything they needed: the monotony of their diet and the lack of materials were starting to take their toll. If we keep living like this, sooner or later, we'll have nothing left to survive on, she thought, trying to hide her worries from Ellie.

Before leaving, So-Yeon reminded Ellie of the rules. Her voice was firm, as she understood how risky this trip could be:

"If strangers appear, stay close to me. If we get separated — find a crowded place and wait for me."

Ellie nodded seriously, and they set off.

***Market Day

The journey took several hours, but Ellie was full of energy. She eagerly took in everything around her — the tall trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves, and flitting birds. So-Yeon smiled faintly, watching her delight, but inside, she wrestled with her anxieties. The city is nothing like the forest. There, people are driven by ambition, greed, and prejudice. How will they perceive us? she thought, feeling her worry deepen with each step toward the market.

The city greeted them with noise and bustle. So-Yeon tried selling her remedies at apothecaries, but she was met with distrust and indifference. Some waved her off, while others sneered, saying they only trusted established healers. Left with no other choice, she set up her stand at the market.

"Herbs and medicines! Good for pain and colds!" she called out loudly, trying to mask her disappointment.

The first customers appeared only after a few hours. So-Yeon was beginning to grow tired, but after selling five vials, she felt a small sense of relief. Meanwhile, Ellie excitedly wandered around, examining the stalls.

"Aunt So-Yeon, look!" she exclaimed, pointing at a stand selling wooden horses. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"We'll buy something if we make good sales," So-Yeon replied gently, unable to stop herself from smiling at Ellie's joy.

By noon, they packed up their things. However, as they were leaving the city, three men approached them.

"Got potions here?" one of them asked roughly.

"Only medicines," So-Yeon replied calmly, trying not to show her unease.

"Pretty little girl," another one remarked, staring intently at Ellie.

So-Yeon shielded Ellie with her body, her gaze turning icy. The men eventually walked away, but the feeling of unease lingered. They left the city and headed home.

Ellie, though trying to appear carefree, could sense the tension. She walked close to So-Yeon, holding her hand tightly. Her childish excitement had turned into a quiet alertness, and her gaze reflected more understanding than one might expect from a child.

***The Threat in the Forest

The sun slowly dipped below the horizon, painting the forest in warm orange hues. Ellie chattered non-stop about everything she had seen in the city, her voice soft and joyful. So-Yeon, on the other hand, was tense, carefully scanning the forest and listening for every sound.

A rustling came from behind them. So-Yeon stopped abruptly, positioning herself in front of Ellie.

"Who's there?" she called out, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.

A man emerged from the bushes — the same one who had approached them at the market earlier. Two others followed, their knives glinting in the fading light.

"We've been thinking," one of them said with a smirk. "Looks like you had a good day at the market. How about sharing some of it?"

So-Yeon clenched her fists tightly. She didn't know how to deal with men like these, but she wasn't about to back down.

"Leave, before I call the guards," she said firmly, keeping her eyes on their knives.

"What guards in the middle of this forest?" another sneered, his laugh chilling. "No one will even know you were here."

Ellie gripped So-Yeon's hand tighter. The woman felt the girl trembling and assumed it was from fear.

"Don't be afraid," she whispered, gently stroking Ellie's hand.

But Ellie's gaze, though lowered, showed no fear. Her lips tightened, and a spark of resolve flickered in her eyes. So-Yeon, too preoccupied with her thoughts, didn't notice.

The tension was rising. So-Yeon realized that negotiations would get her nowhere. Suddenly, she remembered the herbs in her basket — one of her remedies could cause severe irritation if it got into someone's eyes.

"This is your last chance to leave," she warned, her hand slowly reaching into the basket.

"You're brave," one of the bandits sneered. "Let's see how far that gets you..."

Before he could finish, So-Yeon grabbed a small bottle and flung its contents into the nearest man's face. He screamed, clutching his eyes.

"Run!" she shouted to Ellie, grabbing the girl's hand and pulling her along.

The bandits gave chase, but Ellie suddenly slowed her pace. Her hand brushed the ground, her fingers barely grazing it, and for a brief moment, her eyes glowed with a strange light. So-Yeon, focused on fleeing, noticed none of this.

When they were nearly out of the forest, So-Yeon glanced back to check if they were still being followed. The bandits stood far behind, motionless as if bound by invisible chains.

So-Yeon frowned but quickly dismissed it as luck.

"It's okay now, Ellie," she said, catching her breath. "We lost them."

Ellie said nothing. Her hands trembled slightly, but her gaze remained calm. So-Yeon assumed it was the lingering effects of fear.

"You were amazing, Ellie," So-Yeon praised, trying to smile. "It's over now."

"Yes, Aunt So-Yeon," Ellie replied softly, lowering her eyes.

She didn't say a word about what had really happened, choosing instead to keep her secret.

When they reached home, So-Yeon glanced one last time at the dark forest. The familiar silence had returned, but her tension hadn't faded. Locking the door behind her, she felt her shoulders finally relax from exhaustion.

***A Close Call

"That was too close," So-Yeon muttered, setting the basket on the table. "We'll have to be even more careful next time."

Ellie removed her cloak and sat down on the wooden chair. She quietly watched as So-Yeon sorted through the herbs and medicines. The girl knew her aunt noticed even the smallest details, but right now, So-Yeon's face looked unusually thoughtful.

"Aunt So-Yeon," Ellie called softly. "You're not hurt, are you?"

So-Yeon turned to her in surprise.

"No, Ellie, I'm fine. What about you? Were you very scared?" She knelt down to look into the girl's eyes.

Ellie lowered her gaze, her small hands clenched into tight fists.

"A little," she admitted, but her voice sounded strained.

So-Yeon gently took her hands in hers.

"That's normal, Ellie. Everyone is scared in situations like that. But you did great — you were very brave."

Ellie tried to smile, but her gaze remained distant. Images of the bandits' faces flashed in her mind — their terror as they were unable to move. She felt a strange mix of relief and anxiety. Relief that she had protected her aunt. Anxiety over the power she couldn't explain.

"Why were they so afraid? Was it me?" she wondered, nervously clenching her fists. Ellie didn't want to hurt anyone, but she knew she would do anything to keep So-Yeon safe. The thought that she might have caused their fear scared her, but her desire to protect her aunt outweighed it.

"Ellie," So-Yeon called, noticing the girl lost in thought. "It's okay. We're home, and you did better than anyone could have expected."

Ellie nodded, but her expression didn't change. She raised her head and looked at her aunt seriously.

"Aunt So-Yeon," she said softly, "if I ever... if I ever do something... something scary by accident, will you forgive me?"

So-Yeon was taken aback but quickly smiled. Her voice was steady as she replied.

"Ellie, there's nothing you could do that I wouldn't forgive. You're the most precious thing in my life. Remember that."

Ellie relaxed a little, but the shadow of worry didn't leave her face. So-Yeon stood, leaning down to kiss the girl on the top of her head.

"Go rest," she said with a smile. "Tomorrow, we'll gather herbs again. We need to replenish our supplies."

Ellie nodded quietly and went to her room, leaving her aunt alone with her thoughts. So-Yeon stared at the door where the girl had disappeared, her heart heavy with guilt and worry about the future.