This standalone story follows Misaki and her son Mamoru as they try to survive in a society shaped by honor, duty, and war. While Mamoru dreams of becoming a powerful warrior and getting aproval from his father, Misaki is haunted by the life she left behind, carrying secrets and regrets that never truly disappeared. When their quiet village is suddenly thrown into chaos, both are forced to make impossible choices that will change their lives forever.

This is one of the few books that genuinely made me cry. M. L. Wang has an incredible ability to make you feel every emotion alongside the characters. Especially in just one book. As the story slowly reveals the past and the consequences of earlier choices, you become deeply emotionally invested in their struggles, grief, and relationships.