[Chronicles of the Proverbs 02] • The Tree of Perseverance

In the shadow of a poignant Japanese proverb advocating self-reliance—Rely on your own walking stick rather than people—Mi's life takes an unforeseen and harrowing turn. Overcoming the paralysis of the morning left her with a deformed leg, rendering the proverb a cruel reality. As if guided by an inexorable hand of fate, those she holds closest to her heart, one by one, betray her trust, leaving Mi to navigate a world of isolation and despair.

Caught in the suffocating grip of a loveless marriage to a foreign doctor who aided her in regaining her mobility, Mi's existence mirrors that of a caged animal—trapped and yearning for freedom. The echoes of her past love and the dreams of a future once cherished are silenced by the heavy chains of her present reality.

In this riveting tale of betrayal, resilience, and intrigue, Mi's journey is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. Join her as she navigates a treacherous landscape, where the line between friend and foe blurs, and the path to freedom is fraught with danger. Discover how one woman's unwavering determination and self-reliance can ultimately lead to her redemption and the unearthing of truths hidden in the darkest corners of society.