Thirteen years ago, the idea for this story popped into my mind unexpectedly, like a little seed. I had borrowed some movies to watch at home, something I love to do in my spare time. I was just relaxing in the living room, not paying much attention to the previews, when suddenly a scene from an action movie caught my eye. I don’t even remember what movie it was, but there was a burning bus and I saw a woman, just an extra in the movie, leading a child by the hand as they escaped from the fire.

Suddenly I wanted to write a story — the tale of a thirty-year-old woman protecting a child. Into my mind sprang an image of a woman. She was dressed for traveling and carrying a short spear. A young boy was holding her hand and running to keep up. He seemed well-bred, but strong-willed too. A million thoughts raced through my mind. He didn’t look like her child. Was she taking care of him for his mother? If so, why? One idea led to another, and before I knew it, the story was finished.