Areum slowly opened her eyes, the sunlight warm on her face, the wind soft as it brushed over her skin like a whisper, and for a moment, she didn't understand where she was, only that the ground beneath her was soft, like fresh grass, not cold stone or rough dirt, and when she pushed herself up to sit, she realized she was lying under a tree with shadows dancing gently over her.
"You finally woke up, sister," a young voice said beside her, and Areum turned her head quickly, her eyes widening the moment she saw Sam sitting there with a small smile, his face bruised but his eyes still full of light, and her heart twisted.
"Sam… Sam!" she cried, throwing her arms around him as tears filled her eyes, and she hugged him tight like she was afraid he would disappear if she let go, her voice shaking. "I thought—! Are you okay? They hurt you… your lip, your face—!"
But Sam only smiled again, even though it hurt a little, and he reached up and patted her back gently.
