"Is it dead?"
Katerina asked.
"It died long ago," Lu Li said.
Only the lingering consciousness remains, meeting travelers who can share fuel, nurturing tree species to extend its progeny, driving its broken body to fulfill its promise.
A wooden boat was approaching the island, and Katerina suddenly touched her goosebump-covered forearm, "I have a bad feeling... we better leave here quickly."
Lu Li lowered his hood and looked around the swamp.
After the model disappeared into the mire, he felt a hint of malice rising.
The wooden boat docked at the shore. They boarded the shaky vessel, and the timidest, Puxiu, hurriedly told the boat their destination, carrying them slowly away.
An old woman saw them approaching and gradually faded from view.
The girl in the white dress was attracted by Lu Li taking off his hood, gazing greedily at his face, "I love you! Stay, no one can harm you..."
