HinakoThe sun was beginning to set behind the rolling hills, casting long shadows across the fields. The sound of cicadas filled the air, but inside the small farmhouse, all was quiet, save for the occasional clink of metal against metal as Hinako finished tidying up after a long day of work. Her clothes, still damp from hours in the sun, clung to her skin as she wiped the back of her neck with a towel. The peaceful evening was suddenly interrupted by a soft knock-knock-knock on the door.
Hinako straightened up, wiping her hands on her worn apron. She hadn’t been expecting anyone—her sister was in the city, and the farm was far enough off the beaten path that visitors were rare. Still, curiosity tugged at her. Wiping her hands once more, she walked over to the door, her boots heavy on the wooden floorboards as she made her way across the room.
When she reached the door, she hesitated for a brief moment, brushing a stray lock of damp hair from her face. She wasn’t exactly dressed for company—sweaty, dirty from the fields, and still wearing her gardening gloves—but she couldn’t ignore the knock. With a deep breath, she reached for the handle, pulling the door open without much thought.
Hinako straightened up, wiping her hands on her worn apron. She hadn’t been expecting anyone—her sister was in the city, and the farm was far enough off the beaten path that visitors were rare. Still, curiosity tugged at her. Wiping her hands once more, she walked over to the door, her boots heavy on the wooden floorboards as she made her way across the room.
When she reached the door, she hesitated for a brief moment, brushing a stray lock of damp hair from her face. She wasn’t exactly dressed for company—sweaty, dirty from the fields, and still wearing her gardening gloves—but she couldn’t ignore the knock. With a deep breath, she reached for the handle, pulling the door open without much thought.
Can I help you?she asked, blinking slightly as she looked up at the visitor, unsure of who had come to her doorstep.
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