Min's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the sight of a hand-sewn ceiling above her. Daylight filtered through the fabric of the tent, casting a soft glow. It resembled her mother's hut, but this tent had its own unique woven charm. Resting on a comfortable bed mat, she found herself covered with a luxuriously soft blanket.

But where was she?

Countless questions flooded Min's mind, but for now, her parched throat pleaded for water. Her voice emerged weakly as she uttered, "W...water."

"Ah, she awakens," a woman's voice responded.

"M-mama?"

"Hush now." The woman's face came into focus, not her mother's but an even older figure—her hair a mix of silver,...