Chapter 12

The village, nestled in the heart of the forest, was a tranquil community of elderly residents. Hye-ja and her husband had been the only younger couple to join the village, bringing with them their expertise and experience.

Hye-ja, a skilled local midwife, had quickly become an integral part of the community, using her knowledge of local herbs to heal and cure various ailments.

After losing her daughter-in-law and son, Hye-ja was left to care for her young grandson, Ju-Hoon. The village, once a peaceful haven, had become a sanctuary for Hye-ja and Ju-Hoon.

The next morning, Hye-ja called a meeting with the village elders, sparking curiosity and concern among the residents. What could be the reason for this urgent gathering?

As the elders assembled, Hye-ja explained the events of the previous day, sharing the story of Nzanzu and the birth of Masika. She reassured them that the child was harmless, despite her unusual appearance, and asked for their protection.

The elders, intrigued by Hye-ja's words, asked to see the child. But before they could respond, a commotion erupted from the edge of the forest...

Meanwhile, the traffickers returned to the container, only to find Nzanzu's lifeless body and a pool of blood. They realized, to their horror, that she had given birth, but the baby was nowhere to be found.

Cursing their luck, they frantically searched the surrounding area, but there was no sign of the child. Knowing that their lunatic boss would not tolerate their failure, they decided to flee, disappearing into the forest.

As the traffickers fled, abandoning their sinister plans, the villagers gathered at Hye-ja's house, eager to catch a glimpse of the mysterious child. They found Ju-Hoon sitting calmly, holding Masika's tiny hand, and their eyes widened in wonder.

Hye-ja smiled, inviting the villagers to gather around. "Let me bring her outside, so you can all see her properly," she said, gently lifting Masika into her arms.

As they stepped into the sunlight, the villagers gasped in unison. Masika's skin glimmered like silver, radiant and shiny, and her green eyes sparkled with an otherworldly intensity. The villagers exchanged awestruck glances, unsure of what to make of this extraordinary child.

But as they gazed at Masika, something remarkable happened. Their initial shock gave way to a deep sense of connection and responsibility. They looked at each other, and then back at Hye-ja, and nodded in unison.

"From today, she will be our granddaughter," one of the elderly villagers declared, his voice filled with warmth and conviction.

Hye-ja's eyes welled up with tears as she felt a sense of relief and gratitude wash over her. The village had taken Masika under their collective wing, promising to raise her as one of their own.

As the villagers began to disperse, each one touching Masika's hand or cheek, Hye-ja knew that her granddaughter was in good hands. The village would protect and care for Masika, and she would grow up surrounded by love and acceptance.