Cleansing and Struggle

Kitasan Black stood alone against several children whose faces had turned red as they put every ounce of strength into pulling.

The red cloth tied at the center of the rope only swayed slightly. At last, amid the children's cheers, she cried, "Oh no!" and pretended to be overpowered, letting herself be "pulled" over. The children giggled and proudly declared, "We beat Big Sister Kita!"

As they played, Kitasan Black truly began to forget her troubles.

The children's innocent smiles, the joy of simple games, and this quiet park full of childhood memories were like a clear spring, temporarily washing away the gloom in her heart.

Sweat beaded on her skin again, but it was no longer the cold sweat of anxiety and frantic running. It carried the warmth of laughter instead.

Before she knew it, time had passed, and the sky gradually turned orange-red.

"Big Sister Kita, we have to go home for dinner!" one child said reluctantly after glancing at the sky.

"Yeah, mom said she'll get mad if we don't go back soon—"

"Big Sister, will you come play again tomorrow?" The little horse girl with pigtails looked up at her expectantly. "If you come tomorrow, we can build an even bigger castle together!"

The other children chimed in, their eyes full of anticipation.

Looking at them, Kitasan Black's heart softened. She crouched down and patted each of their little heads, her smile warm. "Tomorrow... Big Sister might not have time to come over. But whenever I do have time, I'll definitely come play with you!"

"Then it's a promise!"

"Pinky swear!"

"Bye, Big Sister!"

"Goodbye, Big Sister Kita! Come again!"

The children waved their small hands, calling to one another as they ran out of the park in twos and threes. Their little figures soon vanished