Resonance

Unaware of Damien silently watching his back from the shadows, Little Yu stepped inside the small wooden hut nestled beneath the mountain's protective embrace.

"Mei, I'm home!" he called out gently, closing the door behind him with care, as though trying not to disturb the tranquility that lived within.

Almost instantly, the sound of light, hurried footsteps echoed across the creaking wooden floor. A tiny figure darted out from behind a tattered curtain, her movements brimming with energy. A little girl—no more than six or seven—came running barefoot, dragging a well-loved stuffed rabbit along the dusty floorboards. Its seams had frayed, and one ear drooped sadly, but it was clear the toy had been hugged countless times.

Her eyes sparkled like crescent moons, wide and full of joy as they met Yu's gaze.

"Big brother! You're finally back!" she beamed, her tiny voice sweet as birdsong. "Did you bring the chocolate for me?"