1 Prologue: DEATH

At times, there comes a moment when we yearn to shield ourselves from the relentless demands of the world, seeking refuge from the agony of exhaustion and shattered aspirations.

Yet, the anguish of potentially losing someone dear transcends even the specter of one's own mortality.

BUT SUCH IS THE CRUCIBLE THROUGH WHICH GOD TEMPERAMENTALLY ASSESSES THE RESOLVE OF HIS CREATION.

In the distance, an ominous roll of thunder heralded an impending storm. The heavens, cloaked in shadow, unveiled a tempestuous maelstrom. Stars and moon alike were obscured, veiled by the inky shroud of night. Rain cascaded with unrelenting ferocity, its cold tendrils gripping the city in a relentless embrace. An eerie stillness pervaded, as if all life had retreated from the tempest's wrath.

Yet, amidst this deluge, a solitary figure endured. A young girl, her visage drained of color by the frigid zephyrs and rain's unrelenting embrace, sat resolute. Her drenched form bore testimony to the storm's unyielding force, yet her focus remained unwavering. A weight pressed upon her heart, a concern that gnawed at her thoughts. Her presence, akin to stone, was shattered by the insistent trill of her phone.

"HELLO! Yes, alright. I'm on my way."

With those words, she bolted forth, heedless of the crashing tumult and rain's deluge.

"Yuri, where have you been? And why are you drenched to the bone? Tell me, where have you been?"

"Mother, please, spare me your inquiries for the moment. There are more pressing matters. Firstly, tell me, where is Grandma? And why did you summon me, speaking of farewells?"

In a trembling tone, her mother beckoned her closer.

"Yuri, my dear, come here."

Complying with her mother's request, Yuri approached, her hand enveloped by a steadying grasp. Her mother summoned the courage to unburden herself, to reveal the inexorable truth about Grandma's deteriorating state.

"My love, you're aware of how long Grandma has been wrestling with illness. She's reached a point where the struggle is insurmountable. I trust you grasp the implications."

Yuri stood transfixed, numbed by the words that fell upon her ears. Grandma, her confidante, her heart's sanctuary, now consigned to the merciless hands of time. The weight of the truth descended upon her, shackling her mind in a vice of despair.

As a torrent of foreboding thoughts surged through her mind, Yuri's reverie was fractured by her mother's voice.

"Yuri, understand, God cherishes His creations dearly, and in His wisdom, He calls them to rest in places more sublime."

"Mother, I implore you, be clear with me. What are you endeavoring to convey?"

With hands quaking and tears suppressed, her mother spoke.

"Yuri, summon your strength. Go to her; she seeks your presence for these final moments. Hold them dear, for she is slipping from our grasp."

Within the sterile confines of the hospital room, Yuri confronted the reality of her grandmother's fate. There lay Grandma, frail and fragile, teetering on the precipice of existence.

Summoning a reservoir of fortitude, Yuri drew near, clutching the hand that had guided her through life's tumultuous journey.

"Grandma, it's Yuri. Your Kim Yuri is here. You'll rally, and we'll savor moments anew, sharing kimchi as we always have."

Grandma managed a wan smile, her strength waning, but her spirit undiminished.

"Yuri, my dear, time dwindles for me. Attend to my words, for beyond these confines lies a world of shadows and tempests. Guard your essence, heed your parents' counsel. The path that unfurls shall bear trials that may break you, yet persevere, and never abandon your mother and your brother, Suho. I know not of Soo Hyuk's course, but the encroaching darkness may seek to sunder your bonds. Remember, my love is unwavering, as it was and remains."

Breathing labored and voice feeble, Grandma imparted her final wishes:

"Princess, shield yourself from the machinations of 'THE LU FAMILY'."

And with those parting words, her gaze dimmed, the veil of life descending.

Yuri's cries echoed through the room, a futile supplication to the gods and the heavens. Her parents converged, embracing her, yet their efforts could not quell the maelstrom of grief that raged within her.

Nature's edicts are immutable, and every soul must eventually yield.

"She resembled a sapphire-winged songbird, would you take flight and join me? I yearn for a day of light. Resembles the tranquility of winter's brew, you slumber in serene repose. I bid you goodnight. Envision your countenance gracing me with its salutation. In this panorama, adversities are rendered inconsequential. WITH YOU."

This mellifluous melody, a lullaby from Grandma's lips in days of yore, resonated, painting vivid memories across Yuri's consciousness. Grandma's radiant smile danced before her, a portrait of unwavering love.

"Why, oh why, dear God? Must you sever the bonds that anchor us? Why?" Yuri's lamentation resounded, tears streaming unabated. Her parents' consoling arms enveloped her, yet the abyss of sorrow yawned unabated.

Unbeknownst to Yuri, the script of her existence bore more goodbyes yet unwritten.