Thump, thump, thump—
The rhythmic sound of a knife echoed from the kitchen. Midsummer was preparing snacks for the children.

She planned to make fish treats for Gyeoul and Saebyeok, and carrot sticks for Levinas. Just as she lifted a carrot from the cutting board—

“Uwaaah.”

A sound resembling Gyeoul's cry reached her ears. It didn't seem like genuine crying, more like a playful whine.

‘Gyeoul?’

Did something happen to her? Midsummer stopped cooking and moved towards the source of the sound, which was coming from the entrance hall.

‘The shoe rack?’

In front of the shoe rack, the …