EAST ASIA

Shelley walked into the house, her footsteps heavy and her face clouded with frustration. She dropped her bag by the door with a sigh and made her way into the living room, where her mother sat comfortably on the couch, knitting.

The rhythmic click of needles filled the cozy room as her mother hummed softly to herself.

"Good evening, Mom," Shelley said, walking straight to the refrigerator to get herself a cold drink.

Her mother looked up from her knitting and smiled warmly at her daughter.

"You're home early," she noted, her fingers still working skillfully through the yarn.

Shelley said nothing and kept gulping down the water...