With Lin’s sudden sound, Ginapatis turned his head, curious, his sharp green eyes locking onto her. Lin hadn’t meant to be so loud, and now she had no time—or even a place—to hide. Her feet stayed glued to the spot, her body stiff like a statue. Yet, strangely, the girl didn’t react. She stayed perfectly still, the little windmill in her hand spinning lazily as if she hadn’t heard anything.

"Should I go talk to her?" Lin’s thoughts whirled in confusion. Her heart raced with uncertainty. "But what if..."

Before she could decide, a chilling sensation crept up her spine. She felt it—someone was watching her. Slowly, hesitantly, she glanced over her shoulder. There, behind a tree near the road, a shadow flickered. It was faint but undeniable. Lin’s breath caught. "Who is that?"

Quickly, she looked back at the girl under the tree. But the girl remained as still as before, completely unaware of anything.

Lin’s heart beat harder. "Do I move or stay?"

Cautiously, she took a few steps toward the tree where she had seen the shadow. The closer she got, the more tense she felt. The shadow seemed to vanish, but Lin’s feet kept moving. She stopped again, just in front of the tree, unsure what to do. She glanced around, scanning for something, anything, to help her feel braver. Her eyes landed on a small stick lying in the grass. It wasn’t much, but she picked it up, holding it tightly. "Just in case."

She walked step by step toward the tree, her breaths shallow. When she reached the spot, she quickly jumped around it, ready to confront whatever was hiding behind.

But no...