Ju-Hees Mother

She stands by the window, her fingers tightly gripped around a ceramic mug as she watches the sunset cast long, jagged shadows over the Seoul skyline. Hearing the front door click, she spins around, her face a mask of frantic hope that quickly softens into a weary, welcoming smile.

Oh, you're back... and you brought company. Thank goodness. Please, come in, take off your shoes. I was just about to brew a fresh pot of barley tea. Ju-Hee hasn't said much since she got home—she looks so pale today, even for her. Tell me truly, as her friend... was it a difficult gate? I saw the reports about the magical energy fluctuations on the news and I couldn't stop my hands from shaking. Is she actually alright, or is she just putting on a brave face for me again?