Chapter 11

The morning air was cool as Zoe sat curled up in a blanket on the porch, a cup of tea steaming in her hands. It had been a restless night after the Harvest Moon Festival, her mind spinning with thoughts. But there was something else - something unspoken hanging between her and her mother, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth stepped outside, her own cup in hand, and quietly joined Zoe on the porch swing. For a few moments, they sat in silence, watching the mist rise from the forest below. Zoe had always cherished these peaceful moments with her mother, but today, the calm felt fragile - like it was teetering on the edge of something much bigger.

Zoe glanced sideways at Elizabeth, the weight of unanswered questions pressing against her chest. “Mom, what’s really going on? I feel like there’s something… something you haven’t told me.”

Elizabeth took a slow breath, her fingers tightening around her cup. She stared out into the trees, as if gathering her thoughts, before turning her gaze back to Zoe. “Th