Claire decided not to inform Charlie about her plan to visit the Lama Temple, nor did she mention it to her parents.

She believed it was sufficient to perform this blessing for her family quietly, without drawing unnecessary attention to it.

The following morning, with neither Elaine nor Jacob awake, she set off for the Lama Temple.

In the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, the weather is cold, with shorter days and longer nights.

As she stepped outside, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

At this hour, a few devoted pilgrims were already waiting at the entrance of Lama Temple.

With the year drawing to a close, many people flocked to the temple for incense offerings, unaware that today the renowned Master Geoffrey was returning once again.