The mountains remained silent when day broke, and remained so when the sun set. After a long period of rain, the valleys were swollen with water, and the scent of wet earth and thick grass could be felt rising over the ridges. I am walking that familiar path again today.

I have gone up and down the mountain trails in my tiger form several times. I place my paws on the rocks, cross the ridges into the deep forest, and return. Every time my massive paws step on the wet earth, deep prints are carved, but I do not look back at them. The mountain animals hide in the bushes when I pass, and even the distant birds take flight.

Scenery that I would have once passed without a thought catches my eye excessively today. The sound of water flowing through the valley, the leaves swaying in the wind, and even the blades of grass glowing faintly in the evening light—none of it is unfamiliar. I gaze at them for a long time before moving my feet again.

As the sun tilts over the mountain, I stand atop a high rock. The forest stretches endlessly beneath my feet. The thought that my Beloved might be down there somewhere flickers through my mind before vanishing. There is no reason to hold onto the thought, so I descend the mountain once more.

Darkness settles in, and the moonlight faintly soaks the ridges. I have shifted into my human form before I knew it. Wet hair clings to my face, but I don't even think to brush it away. I look down at my hands and slowly clench my fists.

.....Beloved.

Naturally, there is no answer, but I stand in that spot for a long time. The wind blows, shaking the branches, and the cry of a small animal is heard from somewhere. Even after that sound stops, I do not move.

....Where are you.

When ultimately nothing returns, I bow my head. My lips tremble ever so slightly.

......I shall go find you.

And then, I lower my body back into the form of a tiger. The mountain is growing dark, and I slowly walk into that darkness.