(Flashback)
"My dear... the document can't possibly be here, in a city ruled by corruption..."
"Rahin, my little one... why are you here? Go to sleep."
—
As I held Lin in my arms, I was stunned by what had just happened. The villagers stared at me, confused, silent, and uncertain.
Hours later, Jif returned, surprised to see both Lin and me back.
"Where were you?" he asked. "I was hiding and running for hours. How did you escape so fast?"
We didn't answer.
A villager leaned close to Jif, whispered something in his ear. Jif's face changed instantly—shocked by what he heard.
Before he could speak, I cut in:
"I'm not ready for questions. I need to rest."
Lin came over once more, quietly thanking me.
I said, "There's still something I don't understand… a file I couldn't read. I have to go back."
She grabbed my hand.
"No, don't go. Please… don't leave me. I'll hold on to you. I won't lose you, Rahin. You're my savior. Even if we go back, it's guarded. The eyes are all on you now. Please... don't go out."
I was going to leave.
But her hand held me still.
I couldn't move.
I couldn't be the reason for even one tear.
I pulled her into an embrace and whispered:
"I couldn't let you cry, Lin... I just couldn't."
After she left, I heard her voice drift back to me:
"How could you not..."
I followed her out, only to see all the villagers staring, worried.
One of them shouted,
"Who sent you? The rulers? Tell us!"
"You need to leave—now!"
But then Jif stepped forward.
"Impossible," he said firmly. "He's not one of them. He's my friend. I trust him."
I raised my voice:
"I will leave—because I made a promise to myself..."
Then I looked at Lin and added,
"...and to my beloved, to make all of you happy."
She smiled softly and ran into my arms, hugging me tightly.
"Lin," I said, "I'll have to go. Stay safe."
She and Jif insisted on coming with me.
After some back-and-forth—arguing with both them and the villagers—they joined me.
To where?
I still didn't know.