When Mia was a child, her family was better off. She had kept a pet white rabbit. One night, the rabbit was attacked by a feral cat. Mia woke up and blocked the large cat in the hallway. The feral cat went mad and bit her leg. Mia was enraged, shouting and kicking at the cat until Mother came over and beat it away with a pole. The rabbit died, and it took more than a month for Mia’s leg to heal. Her mother said, “How brave you are! You’re a wonderful little girl!”

On her way home, Mia recalled this bloody tragedy and her feelings at that time. Suddenly she realized that she was destined to choose her career today.

Standing at the end of the road were Lohan and Milan. Milan looked a little thinner.

Gathering Milan into her arms, Mia turned her face and wept.

“Good news, Mia. Three young people volunteered to help you with the project. One of them is experienced in gardening,” Lohan said.

“Lohan, dear, I owe you so much,” Mia choked up.

“Don’t say that. That’s what my life is all about.”

As they passed by the hill, they heard a lot more noise than usual.

Not until Mia was sitting at the table did she feel that her soul had come home.

In the dark, she told Lohan about the girl she met on the bus.

“She’s walking alone at the foot of the mountain at night. Fear is not a word in her vocabulary. She’s a certain type of person, but I can’t tell what that type is. Meeting her wasn’t just a coincidence. Do you feel it, Lohan?”

“Yes, I do. I wish I could see the old doctor. What you just said reminded me of something. I’ve noticed that those of us who live in the countryside always have a chance to meet a certain type of person, and I can’t say what type that is, either, but I knew what you meant right away. Mrs. Yi falls into that category. Now you, Mia, are in the process of becoming like these people. There may be more than one of that kind of clinic: there may be many more scattered around the country, hidden in the foothills of various mountains.”

“You’re so nice, Lohan. Good night.” Mia suddenly fell asleep.

Her dreams were uneventful. Under the gray sky, she walked ahead.

When Mia saw Gray again, he looked much different. His shoulders were broader, and there was a thin line on his forehead. Mia felt that his palms had grown larger and his joints were starting to protrude. He’s shaping up, Mia thought.

He was working in the herb garden. There was a passion in his skillful movements, as if the herbs were his lovers. Mia was awestruck.

“You’re here.” He straightened up and said, “Mia, do you need my help? I can fill your hill with herbal fragrances!”

“Of course. I’m an amateur. I need an expert like you.”