Monk's Memory

Overwhelmed with emotion, the monk knelt on one knee on the ground.

He placed his hand on the fox’s head, feeling the silky fur beneath his palm.

“Sohwa.”

“...Yes?”

The monk patted the head of the good-hearted and endearing fox.

Pleased, Sohwa closed her eyes and laid her ears back.

“You really are a kind-hearted fox.”

“Of course, Monk. You won’t find another fox like me!”

The monk chuckled.

Memories of their first meeting flooded back.

Having devoured countless humans, his karma was to guard a small, neglected hermitage.

However, the monk never left the river during the hot seasons and stayed holed up in a cave during the cold seasons.

Rumors that the hermitage had been swallowed by an Imoogi kept people away, so he didn’t need to go out.

Each day was monotonous and boring.

And while observing the natural order of the mountains and rivers change, a tiny, malnourished fox appeared at the hermitage, boldly stealing the offerings left by villagers.