Day 30
6:18 AM
Cashew slowly walked along the familiar path leading up the hill.
She wore her usual pink dress, gently swaying in the morning breeze.
The sky was clear, and the air felt warmer than usual.
She looked up at the vast sky and smiled softly.
-"Today... I will bring Almond into the village."
6:26 AM
A figure suddenly appeared, blocking her path.
He spread his arms wide, cutting off her way forward.
-"It's me, John. Long time no see."
From behind him, three more men stepped out, their eyes fixed on Cashew.
-"Wow... she's really beautiful."
-"Just like you said, John."
They formed a line, completely blocking the road up the hill.
Cashew stopped, taking a step back, frowning at them.
-"What are you trying to do?"
John slowly approached.
-"Such beauty... wasted on a traitor like him..."
Cashew tried to get away, but he kept circling her, closing in step by step.
He reached out to touch her—
but Cashew immediately slapped his hand away.
John laughed, his eyes filled with amusement.
-"What does that guy even have over me? No money, no future, not even the looks..."
Cashew clenched her fists and shouted straight at him:
-"But he has a heart! And you don't!"
The soldiers burst into laughter.
-"Did you hear that?"
-"I can't wait anymore!"
John raised his hand, signaling them to be quiet.
Then he stepped even closer.
-"Now... you have two choices..."
He grabbed Cashew's hand.
-"Follow me... and you'll have everything. Or follow that traitor... and you'll regret it."
Cashew yanked her hand back, her eyes unwavering.
-"Then I choose regret. Regretting being with Almond... is still better than being with you."
She turned and walked straight toward the hill.
The three soldiers immediately blocked her again.
-"Wait, girl."
-"Stay with us for a while."
Cashew tried to run, but one grabbed her arm while another restrained her from behind.
Their laughter echoed across the hillside.
6:31 AM
At the top of the hill, Almond was preparing to bake.
He carefully poured the batter into the pot, sprinkling coals over the lid, occasionally glancing down the path.
A smile formed on his face.
-"When she gets here... I'll tell her that I love her."
6:52 AM
The batch of cookies was done.
A gentle aroma spread through the air.
But Cashew still hadn't arrived.
Almond frowned slightly.
-"That's strange... why isn't she here yet?"
6:55 AM
He walked to the edge of the hill and looked down.
No one.
-"Did she oversleep...?"
7:03 AM
Almond couldn't stay still.
He paced back and forth, his eyes fixed on the path below.
The cookies slowly cooled.
The flowers nearby began to droop, closing under the wind.
7:11 AM
Almond grabbed his iron mace.
-"I have to go find her."
But just as he looked down—
A familiar figure appeared.
-"It's her!"
He immediately dropped the mace and ran back.
Quickly placing the cookies back to warm them up.
7:20 AM
Almond sat in front of the oven, his eyes full of anticipation.
7:22 AM
Cashew had arrived.
Almond stood up immediately, his face lighting up with joy.
He picked up the plate of cookies and walked toward her.
-"Here, Cashew these cookies..."
His words stopped mid-sentence.
Almond froze.
Before him—
Her pink dress was torn apart, no longer resembling its original form.
Blood ran down her legs, dripping onto the ground.
Her face was smeared with blood and sweat.
Her neck, back, arms, and face were covered in bruises and cuts—
there wasn't a single part of her body left unharmed.
She stood there.
And still smiled.
-"I'm sorry, Almond... I... came late."
Cashew took a step forward—
Then stopped.
She raised her hand to cover her mouth.
Blood spilled out, mixed with bodily fluids.
Her body trembled, her eyes filled with tears, yet she still looked at Almond.
Then she collapsed.
Almond rushed forward, catching her before she hit the ground.
7:24 AM
Almond dropped to his knees, holding Cashew in his arms.
He couldn't speak.
He couldn't understand what was happening.
Cashew struggled to lift her hand, trembling as she reached toward his face.
-"I want... to eat... the cookies... you made..."
But her hand stopped midway—
Then fell.
Her eyes slowly closed.
7:25 AM
Almond trembled.
His hands were soaked in blood.
Cashew's face still carried a faint smile.
He held her tightly.
Then stood up.
His legs shook as he began walking down the hill.
7:27 AM
Almond ran down the hill.
Sharp rocks tore into his feet, blood trailing behind every step.
The pink sweater— the one Cashew gave him— was now soaked in her blood.
He didn't stop.
-"I don't know... but I want to try..."
Cashew's voice echoed in his mind.
For the first time—
Almond cried.
A man who feared nothing... now cried for a girl.
7:31 AM
An old man cutting grass at the foot of the hill looked up.
He froze in shock.
-"I-it's the traitor!"
He was about to run—
But when he saw Cashew in Almond's arms,
he turned toward the village and screamed:
-"Everyone! The traitor has killed Cashew!"
7:37 AM
The villagers rushed out.
They blocked the entrance.
-"It's him!"
-"Let her go!"
-"You bastard!"
They held shovels, hoes, and wooden sticks.
Heartman stood at the front.
He froze.
-"Cashew..."
Rage surged, overpowering their fear.
-"Kill him!"
-"Cashew, hang on!"
Heartman suddenly realized something and shouted:
-"Wait! He's not the one who hurt her!"
But no one listened.
7:39 AM
-"Please... let me through... I have to take her to the hospital..."
Almond's voice broke.
In his mind, Cashew's voice echoed:
-"That's the mayor's house... it's also the only hospital in the village."
-"If you ever get hurt... go there."
Tears streamed down his face.
He held her tighter.
-"I have to get there!"
7:40 AM
Heartman tried to stop the crowd.
-"Wait! If he killed her, why would he run into the village?!"
But the furious crowd pushed him aside.
A hoe struck Almond's head.
Blood splattered.
He staggered—
But didn't stop.
Almond charged straight into the crowd.
A shovel tore through his sweater.
Still, he kept moving forward.
Both arms tightly holding Cashew.
Shielding her from every blow.
He didn't stop.
He didn't look back.