The dense forest began to thin out, with massive trunks giving way to clearings dotted with rudimentary huts. The flickering glow of a few oil lamps shone through modest windows, casting shadows on the ground. The camp's houses were small, built from rough wood, scattered in a chaotic manner—a harsh poverty in a world where technology never stopped advancing.
Rain slowed his pace as he saw the first dwellings. His steps became hesitant. Yoona, walking beside him, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Do you want to turn back?" she asked softly, her tone devoid of judgment.
Rain shook his head, though a slight tremble betrayed his fear. "No… I have to go back."
Jisoo, glancing at the windows, whispered,
"Doesn't it feel like we're being watched? Like in a bad horror movie?"
"Jisoo, shut up," Yoona snapped, though she shared the same feeling.
Rain pointed to a larger house set slightly apart from the camp. "That's the one," he murmured.
The three of them approached, their footsteps echoing in the oppressive silence. Before they even reached the door, it swung open abruptly, revealing a woman.
Her face was drawn, her hair disheveled, but her eyes lit up when she saw Rain. She let out a choked cry before rushing toward him, wrapping him in a desperate embrace.
"Rain… my baby… you're alive!" She sobbed, clutching her son as if afraid he would disappear again.
Rain, though slightly uncomfortable, responded weakly,
"I came back, Mom…"
Behind her, a massive man stepped forward. His imposing build and piercing gaze radiated natural authority. He was the village chief, and judging by his expression, he was torn between emotions.
"Rain," he said in a deep voice. "We thought… you were dead."
The boy lowered his eyes. "I thought you'd be better off without me…"
The chief frowned, but before he could respond, the woman spoke up.
"Don't say that! Never! You are our son, no matter what."
She then turned to Yoona and Jisoo, her eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you… thank you for bringing him back."
"He deserves to be here, with you," Yoona replied.
As they entered the house, Yoona felt a sense of home. The interior was warm, with a fire crackling in the fireplace and a wooden table covered with a worn cloth.
Outside, curtains lifted discreetly, revealing furtive glances. The villagers were watching, murmuring among themselves.
Jisoo, always ready with a remark, whispered to Yoona,
"I bet they're wondering if we brought back a zombie or an alien."
Yoona shrugged, but her gaze hardened. She didn't like this atmosphere.
Seated around the table, Rain, his parents, Yoona, and Jisoo shared a simple but nourishing meal—rice, a vegetable stew, and some dried meat. Nathalie served them eagerly, her face glowing with nervous joy.
"So, Rain," Jisoo broke the silence, "what's your favorite dish here? Because your mom set the bar high with this stew."
Rain gave a timid smile but didn't answer.
"He's tired," his mother intervened, casting a protective look at her son.
The chief, who hadn't touched his plate, was observing Yoona intently.
"You're different," he said suddenly.
Yoona looked up, meeting his gaze head-on. "And you're observant."
A slight smile touched his lips, but he quickly grew serious again.
"Thank you for bringing my son back. But I must warn you… not everyone here will be as grateful."
Jisoo rolled her eyes. "Oh, we noticed the spies behind the curtains. Charming neighbors."
Rain's mother shot a worried glance at her husband. "They wouldn't do anything, would they? After all… he's your son."
The chief remained silent.
Later that night, while everyone else was asleep, Yoona remained awake by the window, watching the shifting shadows outside, her mind on high alert. Emet, too, was still awake, sitting near the fireplace with his pipe in hand. Yoona joined him.
"You're worried," she observed.
"I always am," he replied.
After a moment of silence, he continued,
"Rain is not my blood son. You know, I found him as a baby, near the forest. Abandoned. My wife and I… we always thought he was a gift from fate."
Yoona studied him closely. "And now? Do you still see him as a gift?"
Emet looked at her, his tired eyes revealing hidden pain. "He is special. And special things always attract fear and hatred."
Before Yoona could respond, a scream pierced the night. Outside, a crowd had gathered, armed with torches and sticks. The villagers' faces were twisted with fear and anger.
"Give us Rain!" a man shouted, his eyes bloodshot with rage. "He's going to infect us all!"
The chief stepped out, raising his hands to calm the crowd. "Listen to me. He is my son. He is no danger to anyone."
"Your words won't save us!" a woman cried. "We want him gone, or we'll make him leave ourselves!"
Seeing the situation escalate, Yoona stepped forward. Her silhouette seemed to stretch under the flickering torchlight.
"You have no idea what you're saying," she said, her voice cutting through the uproar.
A heavy silence settled. The villagers recoiled slightly, as if crushed by an invisible presence.
"Rain is not your enemy. But your ignorance and fear may well be your downfall. So leave before you regret your stupidity."
The crowd hesitated, then began to disperse, murmuring among themselves.
Rain, watching from the doorway, clenched his fists. Tears streamed down his cheeks.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Yoona placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's not you who should be sorry. This world needs to learn to see beyond its fear."
Jisoo, despite the tension, smirked.
"And to think I always thought I was the one who made people uncomfortable. You win, Yoona."
Yoona gave a slight smile, but her gaze remained dark.