Leaves and Tree Bark

Su-yeon slowly surveyed the interior of the Takienta.

The ground floor was wider and cooler than she had expected. Thick, solid earthen walls completely shut out the scorching air outside, and the floor was packed hard with red clay. A faint scent of earth and straw hung in the air. In the center, a narrow but sturdy wooden ladder led up to the upper floor.

Su-yeon carefully climbed the ladder.

The upper level was a round, snug space. Thick mats woven from straw covered the entire floor, and something like a low wooden bed sat in one corner, a clean cloth spread across it. Two small windows had been cut into the eastern and western walls.

Su-yeon sat on the mat and looked out the window. A warm breeze drifted in and brushed across her cheek and throat.

So this is where I'll stay for three months… It feels cozy. Nice.

She lay back on the mat once. The smell of straw gently tickled the tip of her nose.

Coming here was the right choice. My heart feels so peaceful.

Meanwhile, Kofi had returned to his own Takienta.

"You're back?"

The old woman stood in front of his Takienta, leaning on her staff.

"Yeah, Granny. What's going on?"

"What's going on, you rascal. You just took that woman home, didn't you?"

She spoke in a low voice. Her eyes were serious.

"Yeah, Granny. Why?"

The old woman tapped Kofi's shoulder and murmured,

"That woman is the white cow from your dream, boy! The Loa said so."

Kofi's eyes went wide.

"What? Granny—"

"Don't you pretend you didn't hear me, boy. You still have those dried leaves I gave you before?"

She seized his arm.

"Boil those leaves in water, then add a few drops of your sweat. After that, give it to the woman."

"What? Granny, why my sweat?"

"Aigoo! You rascal! Just do as you're told—why so many questions! Boil it right now and take it to her."

She scolded him sharply.

"Alright, Granny. Calm down. I'll do it. Have you ever seen me ignore what you say?"

Kofi sighed and nodded.

"Boy! Stop talking back! This is all what the Loa told me. Defy it and you'll be punished!"

She was still angry as she spoke to him.

"And that tea—keep bringing it to her starting today. And when she sleeps, you know the tree bark I gave you? Break off a little, put it in a bowl, mix it with straw, and burn it as incense. Then leave it by her head."

Kofi nodded.

"Alright, Granny."

"Then hurry up and boil it. I'm leaving."

She gave him a hard slap on the back and left his Takienta.

Kofi filled a pot with water and set it to boil. When the water bubbled hard, he tore off a few of the leaves the old woman had given him and dropped them in. A fragrant scent began to rise. Then he wiped a little sweat from his forehead and neck with his fingers and let a few drops fall into the pot. The lukewarm sweat hit the hot water and raised tiny bubbles.

After boiling it a while longer and letting it cool, Kofi poured the warm tea into a small jar. Carrying the jar, he headed for the Takienta where Su-yeon was staying.

"Su-yeon-ssi~"

He called to her from outside.

"Yes? What is it?"

Her voice floated out from within.

"Ah, I brought you some tea I made. It's a traditional tea of ours… please try it."

"Traditional tea? Just a moment. I'll come out."

A moment later Su-yeon stepped outside.

It smells nice…

She caught the subtle fragrance drifting from the jar Kofi held. It was a soft scent, sweet yet mixed with the smell of grass.

Kofi looked at her and smiled faintly.

"Please try this. It'll taste good."

He held out the jar. Su-yeon accepted it and tilted her head slightly.

"Thank you. You're looking after me from the very first day, Kofi-ssi."

Kofi felt his chest give a small leap at her smile and hurriedly nodded.

"Then I'll see you later~ If you need anything, come to my Takienta anytime."

He exchanged a light farewell with Su-yeon, turned, and walked back toward his own Takienta.

People here seem so kind. I should go inside and take a sip of this tea.

Su-yeon went back in. She climbed the ladder to the upper floor and sat on the mat. Then she put her lips to the jar Kofi had given her and took a sip. The sweet fragrance that had pricked her nose now spread through her mouth.

Mm… the scent really is wonderful…

She drank another mouthful. The warm liquid slid down her throat and gently heated her chest from within. She set the jar down and closed her eyes for a moment. Her shoulders seemed to loosen little by little. The fatigue and tension that had piled up for so long melted away like snow.

Ah… drinking this really… makes me feel so at ease. Body and mind both…

The smell of straw softly tickled her nose, and the breeze through the window brushed her skin until her whole body grew languid. Eyes still closed, she surrendered herself to the warm, hazy feeling.

Su-yeon snapped her eyes open and woke from the dream.

"Haa… haa… haa…"

Her whole body was soaked in cold sweat. Slowly she sat up.

What is this smell?

A fragrance she had never encountered in her life pricked her nose. Su-yeon turned her head and scanned the room. Beside her pillow sat a small bowl that looked as if incense had been burned in it.

What is this? How long has it been here?

She narrowed her eyes as she looked down at the bowl.