Chapter 3

Lace art required steady hands and a clear mind. At first, my thoughts were chaotic, and even the swans I embroidered had a fierce look in their eyes.

My mentor simply shook her head, telling me to put the work aside and go for a walk.

For two weeks straight, I didn't touch a single needle. Each day I watered the plants, trimmed the branches, listened to the rain, and watched the clouds drift by.

My peaceful life in the town felt like a gentle medicine, gradually healing the wounds inside me.

Slowly, I started to feel calm again.

When…