I lay on the bed, my feet kicking idly in the air, feeling somewhat bored. The cozy interior of the cottage always reminded me of a grandmother's home, with its compact dimensions and warm atmosphere. As I sketched into a worn notebook, I was surrounded by large, fluffy pillows, and warm sunlight that streamed through the open window.

A gentle and cool breeze opened the heavy oak door to my bedroom a bit wider and through it, I could see the small kitchen, cluttered with rustic pots and pans– the epitome of cottagecore decor (not that I knew any better at the time). Hand-drawn pictures adorned the walls of the living room—childish, yet detailed—near the overstuffed fabric couch that ages gracefully in the corner, facing the fireplace.

My stomach growled, interrupting my drawing session. I waddled into the kitchen, rubbing my long bangs out of my droopy eyes. I knew the cupboards were barren of snacks as I’ve already gotten an earful from Baek for eating it all in one night, so I attacked the fridge. I discovered nothing but some raw meat and vegetables. 

“Aagh… there’s nothing here…” I groaned to myself. 

Then I spotted something. 

Tucked away in the back corner, a tightly wrapped package of pickled plums sat hidden behind a slab of rabbit meat.

Eyes wide, I grabbed the package with both hands. The clear plastic wrapping was completely sealed, and I struggled to pry it open. Frustrated, I searched the kitchen for utensils, only to find an abundance of spoons. Baek is the only one with access to knives. My eyes scanned the room, my brain churning. I notice the door to my bedroom, slightly ajar, and an idea pops in my head. 

A few minutes later, I lay in the shade of the plum tree outside the cottage, the box of pickled plums opened beside me. My sketchbook and pencil were there too, the wooden pencil snapped in half. Graphite smudges on the plastic plum package marked where I had stabbed and tore it apart. Proud of myself, I popped a plum in my mouth and enjoyed the sight of clouds passing by. The soft trickle of water from the stream beside me filled the air.

However, the brief victory soon faded, and I heaved a heavy sigh. Sitting up, I looked in the direction of the Gate. Baek… When are you coming back?

 Life was pretty boring without him. I mean, there wasn’t much around for me to do. Sure, there were some books I could read, and my sketchbook I could draw in, but I’ve done that for hours on hours already. 

“Fine. I guess I’ll do my chores.” I mumbled.

Bored out of my mind, I trudged towards the stream to the water spinach garden. 

Although Baek and I get a monthly supply of food during the summer and fall, we still need to grow and hunt our own food to meet our daily calorie intake expected for 11 year olds. 

Approaching the small, but productive farm, I noticed a pair of rabbits munching on one of the spinach’s verdant leaves. 

"Hey!" I cried, chasing the rabbits away. 

Their strong legs kicked up dirt and stomped on the crops as they dashed away. 

“No!” I groan. 

I squatted over the destroyed garden. Gingerly clutching the chewed spinach leaves in my hand, I sigh and toss it into the stream. Baek would know how to keep them out. Should I build a fence? How? 

“Ugh.” I pulled at my hair. 

Whatever. I’ll fix the garden first before Baek comes back. 

The evening sun set as I timidly approached the Gate. Pacing back and forth, I worked up the courage to call out.

"Papa! Baek!" I yelled, my voice echoing through the darkness. I recoiled in fear, waiting for a response. But none came.

Treading closer to the Gate, my nose almost touching the iron bars, I tried again. 

"Papa? Baek? Are you okay?" My voice echoed through the grand tunnel of darkness.

A cold chill runs down my spine.

"I'm sorry again for hurting your leg," I continued. "Umm… I’m also sorry for not keeping watch over the water spinach. You see, the rabbits got it– you know, it’s not completely my fault. I did say to put something around it so they couldn’t get in, but you were like ‘oh it’s too complicated’."

Nothing. 

The silence was deafening.

With a heavy sigh, I turned to walk away. But then, a soft creak and slam of metal emanated from behind me. I spun around and looked at the "DANGER" sign on the wall. On the grass below it, lay a gray tablet.