Sein’s eyes followed the woman who had triggered her memories of Zeya, as she continued towards the village centre. Having been cocooned in a protective spirit bubble for some time, Sein was unprepared for the onslaught of mortal sensations bombarding her in that instant. 

Previously, she spent her time idly watching people pass by, free from discomfort and intrusive thoughts. Now, she felt the gentle breeze caress her hair, the furious sun slap her delicate skin, and the tingling pins and needles crawling up her legs from sitting too long. 

As physical sensations returned, she also rode the waves of emotional sensations. The more she remembered Zeya, the more her heart felt like a stone sinking in the depths of her chest, overwhelmed by a yearning so profound that it left her with an unshakable sorrow. As she was caught up in the turbulence of her thoughts, she didn’t notice a young girl of about nine, studying her. 

Seeing a stranger, especially one that didn't belong to the northern hills, was to be avoided. Times have changed and the villagers were wary of possible threats from outsiders. But the young girl continued to observe the unknown face because the woman was beyond beautiful. 

She had rich chestnut brown hair with subtle golden amber and warm copper weaving through the layers like sunbeams filtering through autumn leaves. Her face was a classic symmetry with regal cheekbones, dark eyes and long lashes that could stir a windstorm. 

However, despite being elegant and graceful, her face displayed the kind of bleakness that reflected the landscape. The long dry season had parched the earth: the grasslands were yellow, the fields looked lean, and the animals were skinny.

The allure of the beautiful stranger was too strong and it pushed the girl forward, courage welling up within her, as she finally asked, “Big sister, are you lost?” 

Sein didn't attempt to answer at first as she thought it wasn't possible for mortals to see her. However, this young girl was speaking directly to her. 

Is she a spirit? Sein wondered. 

The girl was very slim, with big bright eyes shining between a long fringe. Her face was familiar, perhaps one of the villagers.

“Who are you?” 

When Sein finally broke her silence, her voice surprised her; it felt unfamiliar after so much time unused. Her ears had grown accustomed to the local drawl, reflecting the easygoing lifestyle of the villagers. In sharp contrast, her accent carried a certain genteel tone, characteristic of nobility.

“I am Chit,” the girl introduced herself, her face lighting up with a genuine smile that made Sein feel instantly at ease. 

Though her clothes were simple, they were pristine and well-maintained. She was obviously a devotee of Spirit of Cloth.

“Where have you come from, Chit?”

“I live in the village,” Chit replied, then asked, “Why are you so sad?”

Sein blinked, startled by the question’s bluntness, like an arrow loosed without warning. In court society, meaning was layered and concealed; here it was delivered raw and unfiltered. How did this girl know how she felt? As Sein peered closely at the girl, she saw genuine concern in her eyes. 

Sein softened her mouth, raising the corners up and said, “Why are you out, Chit? The midday sun is rather fierce. You ought to stay indoors or find shade.”

“Yes, but I am looking for Bhell,” Chit said, a gentle crease forming on her forehead, betraying her worry. “I cannot find him anywhere.”

Sein had been sitting by the roadside for some time. Rising to her feet, she stretched her arms and legs, shaking off the stiffness as her muscles awakened once more. 

Then she offered, “Shall I help you find Bhell? Where did you last see him?”

“He is always in our garden. In the pond. But the water has dried up so he is not there.” 

Sein smiled realising Bhell was definitely not a human.

“What kind of animal is Bhell?”

“He is my duck,” Chit replied. “I raised him from a chick. He was really cute when he was little. He might get eaten if I do not find him.”

“Alright,” Sein said. “I’ll help you look. Perhaps he has wandered off to find another pond.” 

Chit was upset by this suggestion. 

“What’s the matter, Chit?”

“There are no other ponds in the village. If Bhell has gone too far away, I will not be able to get him back. He will be lost forever.”

“Before he is lost forever, shall we search for him?” Sein suggested, an amused smile creeping across her face. “Will you take me to where you last saw Bhell? Let’s start there.” 

She gestured for the girl to lead the way.

Instead, Chit slipped her small hand in Sein’s and gave a gentle tug. Her skin was warm and soft. That touch jolted Sein, as if a current of energy coursed through her, tethering her in the present moment and revitalising her. It made her feel alive again, properly human, as though she’d been brought back to the world. 

Her fingers instinctively wrapped around the girl’s hand. Chit stepped forward, pleased to have found a willing helper, her eyes turning into crescents as a wide smile spread across her face.

Sein and Chit wandered around the village, following the narrow dirt road flanked by low stone walls, passing many houses. The thatched roofs of the homes, once a rich golden hue, now appeared faded and dry under the unforgiving sun. The sturdy walls, painted a muted brown, blended harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. 

Gardens that once flourished with vibrant frangipani and jasmine now seem subdued, with the flowers withered and the leaves curled at the edges, preserving the last drop of moisture.

They persisted along the path that circled the village until Sein heard the unmistakable sound of a duck. Though the quacking was clear to her, Chit didn’t seem to hear it. 

Following the sound, Sein soon spotted a duck taking refuge under the sparse foliage of a bush, its iridescent feathers glinting in the sunlight.

“Bhell, you naughty duck,” Chit scolded her pet. 

Then like a flick of a switch, her face lit up with a broad grin, showing off a missing tooth. She reached between the leaves and scooped up the duck in her arms. 

She turned to Sein and said, “You found him. How did you know he was here?”

“I guess it was luck.” Sein shrugged.

Chit skipped and bounced around with joy, circling Sein, one arm flailing in exuberance, nearly dropping the duck from the other. 

Once her celebratory jiggle was over, she pulled Sein’s hand and said, “Come on, let’s go home. Our house is not far away. I live with my mother, you know. And my two bossy sisters. It’s nearly tea time, isn't it? My sisters are working in the fields so they’re not home right now. I wonder what’s for dinner. I bet it’s steamed vegetables again. I like vegetables but I like fish better. You know, I don’t eat meat. It makes me think of Bhell. My sisters eat meet though.” 

A string of words tumbled out in bursts as Chit led Sein to a house on the corner of a field.

Sein’s mind was engaged in her own thoughts, fascinated that she was the only one who heard the duck from a distance. Come to think of it, her senses seemed extraordinarily heightened. She could hear the chatter of villagers from their homes, the voices clear enough that it felt as though she could almost make out every word seeping through the windows. Even her nose detected the whispering aroma of slowly simmering palm sugar from a hut across the field. 

Clearly, this was proof she wasn’t mortal but still a spirit. The old childhood tales flooded her mind; stories of children who spoke to wandering spirits and were coaxed away into the spirit realm, never to return. A sudden unease churned in her stomach, cold and hollow.

Could she herself be one of those spirits without even realising it? No. She could sense the prayers whispered in her name. And she had some power to grant them. Her intentions were pure, and she meant the little girl no harm.

“Mama,” Chit yelled, flicking off her shoes as she stepped inside the house. “We’ve found Bhell. She helped me find him. Can she stay for dinner?” 

Chit’s home resembled the traditional single storey houses in the village, featuring a wooden frame and a thatched roof that had seen better days. The thick walls, constructed from natural materials, provided adequate insulation, and a wide veranda extending around the house offered a shaded deck.

Inside, there were three rooms: a large front area and two smaller rooms at the back, one of which served as a cooking space. 

The familiar smell of steaming rice drifted in from the kitchen. Sein remained by the front door observing the sunlight streaming through the open windows, casting dappled patterns on the polished floor. 

The front room was simple, with a low wooden table against one wall and a large bamboo mat spread out in the centre of the room. A modest shelf held a handful of clay jars and a vase with a single sprig of dried flowers, adding a delicate touch to the otherwise minimalist space. 

It reminded Sein of Lan Shin’s house she had visited with Zeya and Saw Win.

A woman who appeared to be nearing middle age emerged from the back room, still drying a pan with a cloth. Her face was kind, though worry lines on her forehead aged her beyond her years. She stared at Sein, dumbfounded. She’d never laid eyes on someone so refined and obviously from nobility. Confusion spread across her face then she pulled herself together. 

She quickly bowed and said, “Welcome. Excuse our little house. We were not expecting guests.” 

“Your home is charming,” Sein began, suddenly conscious of being an uninvited visitor. “I am merely seeing Chit home. I will not be staying.” 

What’s happened? Sein wondered. Clearly people can see me now. What am I?

She felt both relieved and unsettled. Relieved that she wasn’t one of those wandering spirits. But uncertainty lingered. Mortals ought not to be able to see her. Spirits drifted through every corner of the world, but they were never visible in the mortal realm... were they? Without a label to place upon herself, she’d no idea what was expected of her, let alone what she was meant to do next. 

Before she could dwell on her thoughts, Chit made a lot of unhappy noises, wishing for her newfound friend to stay longer. 

Her mother quickly said, “We would like for you to join us for tea. I am already making some. At least stay for a cup. May I know your name? I am Maiah.”

Seeing the pleading look on Chit’s face, Sein accepted. “Much appreciated, Maiah. I am Sein.” 

Discretely slipping off her shoes, Sein stepped inside. She was happy to have company. After such a long time without speaking to anyone, she craved human connection. 

While Maiah returned to the kitchen to make tea, Sein sat on the bamboo mat with Chit, listening to the girl eagerly sharing her interests. As the youngest in her family, Sein had never been exposed to children before, so chatting with Chit, with her boundless energy and enthusiasm, was a revelation. It brought a sense of joy and lightness that soothed her heart, easing the weight of her memories.

“Why are you collecting sticks?” Sein asked a little puzzled, when Chit produced a pile of dried bark as if it were her prized possession.

Chit giggled and replied, “It’s for my duck. I’m making a nest for him. I want him to find a girl duck and have a family.” 

The girl sorted numerous sticks of different lengths, laying them out in front of her. She was evidently at ease with Sein and her language reflected this.

Sein chuckled. “That would be lovely. Are there other ducks in the area?”

“I don’t know. I want little ducklings. Bhell was so cute. He was a yellow ball of fluff. I really want little ducklings.” 

Chit grinned, getting caught up in the moment to stay still. She bottom shuffled closer to Sein, seeking her approval.

“That sounds adorable,” Sein agreed. “I’m sure Bhell will find a lady duck one day and give you a family of ducklings.” 

Chit squealed with excitement and she was off, dancing around the room with mirth.

As anticipated, there were questions from Maiah about where Sein was from. What she was doing in Sagyo? Sein didn't wish to lie unnecessarily, so she answered vaguely, embracing Maiah’s assumption that she’d run away from home and was passing through.

“If I may ask, where are you heading to?” Maiah enquired gently, refilling Sein’s cup with more tea. “My next door neighbour has an ox and cart. He may be able to take you as far as the village of Yamayo.”

“Your kindness is very much appreciated. I’m afraid I have not decided my path just yet,” Sein said truthfully.

“Oh, then you should stay the night with us,” Maiah offered, her forehead creasing with concern. “It is dusk soon and the roads are not safe at night. And the temperature drops dramatically after dark. It will be cold tonight.”

“I will be alright,” Sein said, moving to get up. “If I leave now, I will be fine.” 

“It would ease my mind if you stayed until the morning. Then you will have plenty of time to reach the next village tomorrow,” Maiah continued to persist.

Chit put her hands together in a prayer and pleaded, “Big sister, stay with us. Stay with us for the night.” Bhell quacked away outside. “See, even Bhell wants you to stay.”

Sein let out a chuckle and surprising herself, she accepted the offer. Something about the effortless ease and genuine warmth radiating from Maiah and Chit, wrapped her like a comforting blanket, compelling her to linger.