The next morning, Sita woke to a flood of golden sunlight spilling across her room. The brightness felt almost symbolic, as though the universe itself was offering her a gentle blessing after days of uncertainty. She dressed quickly and made her way downstairs, where the faint murmur of morning prayers filled the air.
Together, she joined Monk Vallayi, Lili, and the others in their chants, the sacred syllables wrapping her heart in a cocoon of calm.
When they all gathered around the breakfast table, the atmosphere was light and full of laughter. The clinking of bowls, the smell of fresh bread, and the warmth of togetherness made it feel like the morning itself had been painted in joy.
Lili leaned across the table, eyes curious. "Sita, tell me something about yourself—your hobbies?"
Sita hesitated, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Umm… nothing special, really. I love archery, and… I suppose sleeping could be called my hobby too."
The table erupted in laughter, a playful warmth that made Sita blush but smile.
"What a unique hobby!" Lili giggled. Then, with a gentler tone, she asked, "And your family?"
A shadow flickered across Sita's expression. She lowered her gaze, her voice quieter. "My parents passed away when I was little. I grew up in a Buddhist temple. My family… it's not the usual kind. It's my grandfather, Brother Wu, and my horse, Aro."
"Aro?" Lili tilted her head.
"Yes," Sita smiled faintly. "He's not just a horse. He's my companion—my family."
Lili's eyes softened with understanding. "I get that. My mother died when I was small too. I live with Uncle Vallayi. My father and I… we never saw eye to eye. So, this temple has been my real home for as long as I can remember."
The monk's calm voice cut in, steady and kind. "Sita, is this your first time in Veralia?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"Then you must see it properly," Vallayi said, glancing at Lili. "Take her to the city. Show her its heart."
Lili clapped her hands in delight. "Yes, Uncle! Sita, get ready. Five minutes, okay? I'll come find you in ten!"
By the time they reached Veralia's gates, Sita's eyes were wide with wonder.
The city stretched before her like a dream: tall, elegant buildings rose in harmony with sprawling gardens and streams of cherry blossoms that painted the streets in pink. The air was alive with the chatter of people, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, and the soft laughter of children.
"It's beautiful," Sita whispered, her eyes sparkling.
"It's home," Lili said proudly, tugging her along.
They wandered through marketplaces filled with silks and spices, tried on dresses from a cheerful vendor ("You'll need proper Veralian attire, Sita!"), and shared skewers of sizzling street food. Around them, families picnicked, couples posed for pictures beneath the blossoms, and musicians filled the air with lilting melodies.
At one stall, Lili grinned. "Want cotton candy?"
"Yes, please!" Sita's eyes lit up with childlike joy.
"Wait here. I'll get us some."
"Then I'll wait by the fountain," Sita replied.
The fountain stood in the center of the square, a marvel of stone and light. Water cascaded from the wings of a carved angel, scattering droplets like fragments of stars. Sita stood still, breath caught in her throat. She had never seen anything so breathtaking—both fragile and eternal at once.
Then she heard them.
Small voices, hushed yet tinged with sadness. A group of children huddled by the steps of the fountain, holding a wooden box with a handwritten sign. Their eyes were bright but weary.
Curiosity tugged at Sita's heart. She knelt beside them. "What's wrong?"
A little girl clutched the box. "We… we're trying to raise money. But no one will listen."
"For what?" Sita asked softly.
The little girl's hand trembled as she pointed toward the fountain's edge. There, lying on a bundle of rags, was a thin brown dog, its leg twisted awkwardly. The animal whimpered faintly, its eyes glassy yet still full of life.
"He's been hurt for a long time," the girl whispered, her voice breaking. "The healer says he needs surgery, but… we don't have enough money. We've been trying to ask people, but no one listens."
Sita's chest tightened. The innocence of the children, their hope tethered to this fragile creature, tugged at something deep inside her. She knelt, brushing the girl's tear-stained cheek.
"You're doing something kind, something brave," Sita said gently. "Don't be ashamed of asking for help. I'll help you."
The children blinked at her in disbelief as Sita rose to her feet. With quiet determination, she began approaching the passersby—families strolling under the cherry blossoms, merchants arranging their wares, even riders waiting in their carriages.
Her voice was soft but firm, filled with sincerity. "Please, this dog is injured. These children only want to save his life. Any small kindness will help."
Something about her presence—her calm eyes, her steady tone, the way she carried both humility and dignity—moved the crowd. Coins clinked into the box. A merchant pressed silver pieces into her hand. Even the drivers of carriages leaned down to drop their contributions, smiling at her courage.
Soon, the wooden box was no longer empty but heavy with hope. The children's faces glowed with joy, and the dog stirred weakly as though sensing the change in fate.
Sita knelt beside the animal once more, stroking its head. "You'll be okay now," she whispered, as if promising not only to the dog but to herself.
And in that moment—amid the crowd, the blossoms drifting like snow, and the laughter of grateful children.
Meanwhile, Tae Hyun had just wrapped up paperwork at the Veralia Racers' Guild—an office buzzing with the scent of oil, the gleam of helmets, and the distant roar of engines from the practice track. It had been weeks since he'd returned from his international racing tour, and the weight of schedules and contracts still clung to him.
Finally free for the day, he sank into the backseat of his sleek black car, exhaustion tugging at his eyelids.
When he stirred awake, the world outside had changed. The roads of Veralia stretched before him, lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Pink petals swirled across the windshield, carried by the wind like fragments of a dream. Tae Hyun sat up straighter, pressing a hand to the window as though to touch them.
"Cherry blossoms," he murmured. "It's been years since I've seen them here… feels good to be home again."