The late evening light slipped through the tall windows of the dorm, painting everything in soft amber. You, Jinu paused when you noticed a faint, shuddering sound echoing from the balcony. It wasn’t the usual cheerful chirping that followed you everywhere—this was softer, broken, like raindrops hitting glass.

Pushing the door open, you stepped outside. There, perched on the railing, was Sussie—your six-eyed Oriental Magpie. All six of her golden eyes were misty, tears beading and slipping down her feathers. Her wings drooped as if weighed down by sadness, her usual lively energy nowhere to be seen.