Bona hardly remembers the rain.

She can't remember what it sounds like when it first begins to rain, the patter of every fallen droplet outlining a bridge between the sky and the earth. She can only hear the anguished cries of her people as they're slowly reduced to nothing but skin and bones. She can't remember the sweet smell of rain soaking the soil beneath her feet either. She can only smell the rotting corpses buried within shallow graves or thrown out in the streets, her emaciated neighbors too weak to properly bury their loved ones. Neither can Bona remember the incomparable feeling of cold rain which seemingly seeps into her blood and veins, drenching her inside and out. She can't even remember what rain looks like. She can only feel and see her own self weakening and dying, inevitably succumbing to the same fate as everyone else around her. Bona can't remember the rain. It's been far too long.

She only knows what the absence of rain can do, the catastrophic magnitude of suffering it inflicts upon her people. For the past year, she has witnessed the death of many, ranging from people in her village whom she barely knew the names of, to the deaths of her very own loved ones. Bona knows that some of the villagers have resorted to violence, robbery, and other misdeeds to obtain their means for survival. There aren't many men remaining to stop them, and even they lack the energy to do so. Every man only thinks of himself, fighting desperately to live no matter the cost, with the hopes that one day, the rain will return.

Bona isn't certain when that day is, but she's certain she won't be around to see it.

It's been a very long time since Bona has had this much food and drink.

The sight of all the food and drink laid out before her uncoils a sense of guilt she feels from deep within, especially since she fills her stomach with the knowledge that the same people surrounding her are starving themselves. Her fellow villagers just give her whatever they have on hand, grateful smiles painted on hollowed faces. The food she receives today is the equivalent to how much seven people would usually distribute amongst themselves. The supply isn't plentiful, but they treat it as if it is. They give Bona everything they have the heart to offer, trusting wholeheartedly in the success of the ceremony to take place the following day, despite the failures of the rites and prayers prior to this one.

"This is your final day with us, on this very earth. It's best that you enjoy it to the fullest extent." The older villagers tell her, a bit too happily in consideration of the fate that awaits her. "It is the greatest honor to sacrifice your own life in a bid to save your village. Your parents and ancestors will be very proud of you. There is no doubt that the Dragon King himself will be quite pleased with your sacrifice." Bona simply smiles and nods, feeling sick, perhaps from having eaten too much.

There is only one person in the room who doesn't repeat those words or share the same smile as the other villagers. It is Mei Qi, a girl whom Bona had known since childhood. They've been taking care of one another during these difficult times, as both of their parents had passed amidst the struggle for survival. Bona thinks of the girl fondly, much like a younger sister. She stands behind Bona, her youthful face bearing a stony expression, as she murmurs in the sma