After a cheerful little lunch, Lin washed the dishes, letting the cool water and soap bubbles soothe her hands as her thoughts drifted. Once she was done, she stepped outside to check on the swing she had made earlier. The midday sun filtered through the branches of the tall tree, casting soft shadows over the ground. Lin walked up to the swing and gave the rope a firm tug to ensure it was secure. It seemed steady enough.

Her cat, Ginapatis, wound itself around her legs, rubbing its soft fur against her, as if trying to say, "Don’t do it." Lin chuckled softly, brushing off the cat’s concern. “You’re being silly,” she murmured, not giving it much thought. She was just about to sit on the swing when her phone rang, the sudden sound breaking the peaceful moment.

The number on the screen was unfamiliar. Lin hesitated for a second, staring at the unknown caller, and just as she reached to answer, the call was cut off. She frowned, unsure if it was a mistake or something else. With a shrug, she pushed the thought aside and focused back on the swing. She was about to settle in again when Ginapatis let out a strange, urgent meow. Her fur stood on end, and her tail puffed up in fear. The cat’s eyes were wide, darting toward the base of the tree.

Lin paused, her heart quickening a little. “What is it?” she whispered, her gaze following the cat’s. Her mind immediately leapt to thoughts of a snake or some wild animal lurking nearby. Without wasting a second, she stepped away from the swing and cautiously walked around the tree, searching the ground for any sign of danger. But there was nothing, no movement, no sound—just the quiet rustling of leaves in the breeze.

She knelt down and stroked Ginapatis’ head, trying to calm the animal. “Don’t be scared. There’s nothing here, darling.” But the cat stayed tense, its gaze fixed on something. Lin followed Ginapatis’ eyes and saw that the cat wasn’t looking at the ground—it was staring intently at the tree itself, specifically at a small...