The morning light crawled in through the window.
Mira stood in the kitchen, her hand rhythmically stirring the pot of soup. But her mind wasn't on the meal; it was drifting back to their walk from the market earlier that evening.
In her memory, the sky had been graying as they walked along the dirt path.
"My legs hurt from all this walking…" Yurim muttered, her body swaying as if she might pass out.
"You monsters have more stamina than humans. I can't walk anymore."
"We're already late," Mira laughed.
"The clouds are getting darker. It's already night. Walk faster, Yurim."
Yurim looked at her with innocent eyes.
"Will you carry me on your back… please?"
"I don't want to smell that strong perfume," Mira scoffed.
"Besides, even I am a delicate, petal-like girl. I can't carry you."
"Here."
Rian turned his back toward Yurim.
"What—?" Yurim let out a small, confused laugh before climbing onto his back.
"You're so muscular," she muttered.
"You're making me look like a backpack."
Rian chuckled softly.
Mira's steps slowly slowed.
Her smile faded as she walked behind them, watching their quiet laughter from a distance —
"Mira!"
Mira blinked, pulled out of her thoughts.
"Grandfather wants his tea!" Yurim called, already stepping into the kitchen.
Mira stood still, the spoon unmoving in her hand.
She began stirring the soup again.
"I'm doing this only to bring happiness to both of us," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"It's risky… but this is the only way you can return to your world."
Her eyes lifted, settling on Yurim as she approached.
---
Outside on the porch, Rian and Grandfather sat watching the crops sway in the morning wind.
"The transport has been fixed," Grandfather said.
"Quicker than expected."
"It has been fixed?" Rian asked.
"Yes. I need to go to the city tomorrow to transport these fresh crops," Grandfather continued quietly.
"If you and Yurim want to come, you can. Or you may stay here for as many days as you wish."
"No, Grandfather," Rian replied after a pause.
"It's already been many days since I stayed here. I need to take care of many things."
His voice lowered.
"And… I need to find a way to send Yurim back to her world."
"What…?" Mira whispered, placing the tea in front of them.
"Why, Rian?" she asked.
"Why don't you stay here for a few more days? Didn't you say city monsters are scary?"
"I can't stay here, Mira," he said gently.
"I have a home in the city too. I need to take care of it."
Mira's gaze fell to the floor.
On her way back to the kitchen, she whispered, clutching the tray tightly,
"I need to do this today."