Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned

The story begins with a young girl named Su-rin, who is only 13 years old. Following her mother’s passing, she is sent to live on a remote island with her stepfather. The move is a significant upheaval for Su-rin, who now faces the challenges of adjusting to a new environment and coping with her grief alone. The secluded nature of the island and the absence of familiar surroundings create a somber yet intriguing setting for her story to unfold.

On the island, Su-rin struggles to connect with her new stepfather, feeling isolated and longing for her previous life. During this period, she befriends Sung-min, a kind-hearted orphan boy who understands her feelings deeply. Sung-min provides her with comfort and companionship, adding a sense of warmth and hope amid the mystery and loneliness. Their friendship becomes a central element in Su-rin’s journey of self-discovery and emotional healing.

One day, Su-rin and Sung-min, along with a group of local children, decide to explore a nearby forest that is shrouded in local legends and folklore. Their adventure leads them to a hidden cave where they make a startling discovery: a shimmering, unusual egg. According to local stories passed down through generations, the egg is said to contain a creature that is both fascinating and terrifying—a time-eating monster. This myth adds an intriguing supernatural layer to their exploration, capturing their imaginations and curiosity.

Despite Su-rin’s warnings, the children’s curiosity gets the best of them, and they take the egg out of the cave for closer examination. As they leave, Su-rin follows her friends, concerned about the potential danger. When she reaches the outside of the cave, she is devastated to find that her friends have vanished without a trace. This unexplained disappearance becomes the catalyst for her suspicions and searches. The local police quickly get involved, treating the case as an abduction, yet they dismiss Su-rin’s account of the egg, considering it merely a superstition.

As the mystery deepens, a strange figure appears—an enigmatic man in his 30s who claims to be Sung-min. Su-rin is left confused and bewildered by this encounter, questioning her perceptions and the reality of her world. The appearance of this man adds an element of suspense and ambiguity to her journey, raising questions about identity and truth. As her story unfolds, Su-rin’s resilience and determination become essential in uncovering the secrets hidden behind the legend and the disappearing children.