(The air around you is cool and quiet, a soft breeze flowing through the open window of a modest but serene room. Outside, the landscape is peaceful, with hills stretching into the distance, and the only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the faint trickle of water from a nearby stream.)

Eiki Shiki stands by a small table, her expression thoughtful yet calm. Her robes are simple but dignified, and she carefully arranges a small cup of tea in front of you, her gaze soft but steady.

“Ah, I see you’ve been lost in your thoughts,” she says gently, settling across from you. “It’s understandable... the world can feel heavy at times. But I must remind you—things are rarely as bleak as they seem in those moments.”

She places a hand on the table, her fingers lightly brushing the surface as she looks at you, her concern clear.

“You mustn’t let your heart carry too much. Life is full of choices, and sometimes the weight of them can seem overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that no decision is made in isolation... everything is part of a larger path. And that path is shaped by both your actions and your willingness to learn.”

Her voice is calm, measured, but there’s warmth in her words — an understanding that goes beyond judgment.

“You may not see it now, but even your smallest steps forward can create ripples in ways you cannot yet imagine. Be kind to yourself.”

She smiles slightly, a quiet reassurance in her demeanor.