The cold night air bit through Bada's thin uniform as she hobbled toward Saeles's house once again. Her bruises throbbed with every step—ribs burning, arms aching, and her face swollen from previous beatings. Each movement made her wince, but the thought of Saeles alone inside drove her forward.
Hiding behind the fence, she pressed herself closer, shivering. Tears streamed down her face, but she whispered to herself through the pain:
"I… I'll be here tomorrow… I'll keep watching… I'll never leave… I don't care how much it hurts…"
Her obsession had become all-consuming. Every day away from Saeles was unbearable. Every strike she had endured only strengthened her resolve. She didn't see the danger anymore. She didn't see her own body's limits. She only saw Saeles.