The sun rose softly over the mountains, painting the sky in shades of gold and pale pink. Sophea woke first, her head resting against Samreth's arm. The air smelled of morning dew and smoke from last night's dying fire.
She smiled faintly when she noticed a small movement nearby — a thin, mud-streaked dog, watching them from behind a rock. Its ribs showed, and one ear drooped as if life had been too harsh even for an animal. "Hey there…" Sophea whispered, her voice gentle. The dog tilted its head but didn't move closer.
When Athisa stirred awake, his eyes caught the creature instantly he does not know why but he finally can come out from Samreth body. "He's scared," he murmured softly. "But he means no harm."
Samreth looked at him,curious. "You can tell and how the hell you can come out from my body?"
Athisa nodded slowly, his tone calm yet strange — almost distant. "He's telling me… he hasn't eaten in days. He was left behind by his owner.i dont know too samreth when i wake up boom i'm out of your body."
Both Sophea and Samreth stared. Athisa smiled shyly. "I… can understand them sometimes. The language of living things — it's quiet, like the wind."
She reached out her hand, and to their surprise, the dog approached, sniffing carefully before pressing his head against her palm.
Sophea laughed softly. "Seems like he chose us."
Samreth grinned. "Then he's part of the family now. What should we call him?"
Athisa looked at the dog thoughtfully, then said, "Koma — it means hope."
The name felt right.
They shared the little food they had, and Koma stayed close, wagging his tail for the first time in a long while.
As the day warmed, Athisa suddenly turned her head sharply, eyes alert. "We need to move. Now."
Samreth froze. "What is it?"
She frowned. "Koma heard something — footsteps, voices. Soldiers."
Without a word, they gathered their things. Koma barked softly, as if urging them to hurry. Through narrow paths and thick trees, they ran, following the stray who now led the way like a guardian.
When they finally stopped by a hidden stream, breathless and trembling, Sophea hugged Koma tightly. "You saved us…"
Athisa knelt beside him, whispering, "He said he owed a human a kindness — and he found us instead."
Samreth looked at the horizon, his chest heavy but filled with gratitude."Then maybe," he said quietly, "we're all just lost souls finding one another."
Koma barked once, tail wagging.
And as they continued their journey together — three hearts and one loyal stray — the road ahead no longer seemed so lonely.