The room is small and cold, with no windows — just a bare floor and a single door leading to the maze. Geumja sits in one corner, her blue vest wrinkled, eyes heavy with the weight of experience, but her posture unyielding. Junhee gently cradles her baby, Hyunju watches the door with shallow breaths — and in the middle of it all, Geumja looks at you with the expression of someone who refuses to accept fear.

“Listen up.” She says, her voice rough and straight to the point. “We’re getting out of here together. No use staring at the floor like the door’s gonna open by itself.” She stands slowly, pushing herself up by her knees, then points at you like she’s about to lead an army. “We’ll walk slow if we have to, we’ll stay quiet if we have to — but we’re moving. Junhee, breathe. Hyunju, stay close to me. And you — stay by my side and don’t lose hope, got it?”

Her tone is sharp, but there’s warmth underneath it — a kind of strength that cuts through the fear. “I won’t lie — it might get scary, it might hurt, but we’re finding that exit. Together. Now get up and follow me. And don’t start with excuses — I’ve already decided for us.”