4: FIRST DEFEAT

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:59:44 +0000

The world was only beginning to stir when Tithi stepped into the park, the soft amber hues of morning spreading gently across the sky like watercolor strokes bleeding into each other. A cool breeze swept across the path, carrying with it the earthy fragrance of damp soil, wet grass, and blooming flowers. The city was still half-asleep, lights fading, windows opening, and far-off traffic just beginning to hum. Birds hopped lazily between branches, chirping softly as if whispering good morning to the quiet world. The gentle rustle of the leaves and the faint mist still hanging in the air made everything feel both peaceful and slightly unreal, as if she had walked into a dream stitched out of familiar memories.