Talotkan once had a rabbit...a tiny, soft creature she loved more than words could ever express.
But one day, it fell sick. Desperate and terrified, Talotkan had taken it to Dr. Yim for treatment.
And yet… during the procedure, the rabbit died.
From that day on, Talotkan never missed a chance to lash out at Yim.
Calling her a murderer.
Claiming she wasn't a real doctor.
Blaming her for the death of that innocent creature.
But all of it.....every angry word, every glare...was nothing but a lie.
Because if Talotkan could accept her own death so calmly, why would she truly grieve over a rabbit?
She knew exactly what she was doing.
And in her heart, it felt like the right thing to do.
---
Moments Later…
Their childish bickering continued, back and forth like two kids fighting over nothing at all.
Insults, sarcasm, and teasing filled the air until, suddenly...
Talotkan's voice softened, almost casually, as she said:
"Our goat's sick. Check on her this evening before you leave."
With that, she got up and walked away.
Laughing.
Playing the part of the cheerful girl everyone thought she was.
Her act was flawless....
Until she reached the parking lot.
There, beside her bike, the mask shattered.
Her radiant smile....so bright, so full of life.....burned away like a flower crushed underfoot.
She collapsed against the bike, burying her face in her hands, and sobbed as if her soul were tearing apart.
Because the truth was crueler than anyone knew.
Every step hurt.
Every breath was a battle.
Food barely stayed in her stomach.
And yet… she pretended. She pretended so her grandmother could stay happy. So no one would ever see her breaking.
---
Flashback
Talotkan's childhood home…