Chore

Later that day, Itzel gave me my first chore.

“Minah, let me show you around.”

I followed her outside to a large stone at the edge of the property, strange symbols etched deep into its surface.

“There are several guardian stones around the cabin,” she said. “They keep us safe, but we need to recharge them regularly so the barrier doesn’t weaken.”

She must’ve seen the confusion on my face, because she pulled a pouch from her belt and added, “Use these manastones to keep it charged.”

I took the stone she offered me and for a moment I felt a rush of warmth course throughout my body. I quickly slotted the stone into the barrier and the feeling subsided.

I caught Itzel staring at me and then she shifted gears.

“Let me show you where we get our water.”

After that, she walked me around the property, sharing quiet tips about the way things worked—the water system, the storage shed, the best firewood.

I wanted to ask her about what happened earlier but the moment had passed. As the day went on, I absorbed everything I could, preparing myself for whatever came next.

***

I had a hard time looking at Yun. The few times he tried to talk to me I found some excuse to avoid the conversation.

“Minah, it’s not good for you to avoid him like that.” scolded Itzel while the two of us were washing dishes. “I’m not avoiding him, I’ve just been busy.”, I lied.

“Minah… please talk to Yun, you don’t have much time left.”

That evening I caught Yun outside swinging a short sword. A thick scar weaved across his chest and arm. He seemed older.

I just stood there watching him. After a minute or so, he finally stopped and looked over at me. Unconsciously I stuttered, “I’ll fetch you some water.”

A moment later, I returned and offered him a cup of water. “Thanks, Minah” he said, trying to sound cheerful. Not sure what else to say, I blurted, “It’s a nice sword… you look like you’re having fun swinging it.”

“Yeah, Sae gave it to me. She says steady swings will make my arm strong again.”

He looked pained. “I’m sorry Minah, it was my idea that got you hurt.” This is what I was avoiding. I stood quiet. “Maybe we should have just stayed in the village—” I stopped him. “Yun, we couldn’t stay there and you know it. The night-wolf did this to me. Not you.”

“At least come with me to my uncles, I am sure they’ll look after you.”

I shook my head, swallowed the lump in my throat and forced the words out.

“I don’t want to go.”

My voice was flat, stubborn.

Yun just looked at me—like he couldn’t understand.

“You’ll get better, Minah. My aunt’s nice. She’ll help you. They— They won’t care about your eye.”

I shook my head again, slower this time.

“Sae’s right, they’ll look at me and feel sorry, I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.”

Yun’s lip trembled. He dropped the sword into the dirt and took a few steps closer.

“But it doesn’t feel right to leave you here. It was my fault. I couldn’t keep you safe.” he said, his voice stronger.

I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. A part of me wanted us to endure this pain together.

But I didn’t.

I stood there, fists clenched so hard my nails bit my palms, and said what needed to be said.

“You have to. You still have a family.”

I walked back into the cottage before Yun could catch my good eye watering.