The elder's words warmed my heart, and I felt a sense of comfort knowing that I had someone like her looking out for me.

"I will," I wrote, smiling at her. "Thank you again for your kindness."

The elder nodded and turned to leave, but then she stopped and turned back to me. "I almost forgot," she said. "I brought you some food. I thought you might be hungry."

She handed me a basket filled with fresh fruit, bread, and cheese. My stomach growled at the sight of the food, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards the elder.

"Thank you so much," I wrote, taking the basket from...