The villa was quiet as the group gathered in the living room after dinner. The fire crackled softly, casting warm light over their faces. Conversation had dwindled, and the atmosphere was relaxed until Tara broke the silence.

“Ji Hyo,” she said, leaning forward, “you’ve shared a lot about your life, but there’s something I’ve been wondering. How do you stay so healthy in this world? You’re always on your feet, even when the rest of us are wiped out.”

Ji Hyo smiled faintly, shifting in her seat. “It’s not as simple as it looks. I’ve had my struggles too.”

Michonne tilted her head. “Struggles? What do you mean?”

Ji Hyo hesitated, her expression growing serious. “I haven’t told you this, but… I’m allergic to modern medicine.”

---

The Group’s Shock

The room fell silent.

“Allergic?” Glenn asked, concern evident in his tone. “To all of it?”

“Pretty much,” Ji Hyo replied. “Antibiotics, painkillers, most common treatments—they all cause severe reactions for me. It’s something I’ve dealt with my entire life.”

“How severe?” Rick asked, leaning forward.

“Severe enough that once, I stopped breathing,” Ji Hyo said, her voice quiet.

“What happened?” Daryl asked, his brow furrowing.

---

The Incident

Ji Hyo took a deep breath, her eyes distant as she recalled the memory. “It happened when I was a child. I had a high fever, and my parents took me to the hospital. The doctor gave me a standard medication, not knowing about my allergy. Within minutes, my throat closed up. I couldn’t breathe.”

The group listened intently, their expressions a mix of horror and sympathy.

“My father realized what was happening and demanded the doctor do something,” Ji Hyo continued. “They managed to stabilize me, but it was a close call. After that, my parents were extremely cautious about what I was given.”

“That sounds terrifying,” Maggie said softly.

“It was,” Ji Hyo admitted. “But it also taught me to be careful and to rely on alternative methods when possible.”

---

Her Grandfather’s Role

“My grandfather was a traditional doctor,” Ji Hyo said, her tone softening. “He practiced herbal medicine and acupuncture. After that incident, he became the one I turned to whenever I was sick. He taught me everything he knew.”

“Everything?” Eugene asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Well, almost,” Ji Hyo said with a small smile. “I learned how to make herbal remedies, treat wounds, and even use acupuncture for pain relief.”

“That’s amazing,” Michonne said. “No wonder you’re always prepared.”

“It’s been a lifesaver,” Ji Hyo said. “Especially now, with medicine so scarce.”

---

A New Perspective

“So you don’t use any modern medicine at all?” Rosita asked.

“Not unless it’s an absolute emergency,” Ji Hyo replied. “Even then, I have to be extremely cautious.”

“What about when you’re injured?” Rick asked.

“I rely on what my grandfather taught me,” Ji Hyo said. “Herbal poultices, natural pain relievers, and careful care. It’s not always easy, but it works.”

“You’re tougher than you look,” Daryl said, his tone almost approving.

Ji Hyo laughed lightly. “You have to be in this world.”

---

Sharing Knowledge

“Would you teach us?” Glenn asked. “What your grandfather taught you?”

Ji Hyo looked surprised but nodded. “Of course. The more people who know, the better.”

“That could be invaluable,” Hershel said, his voice thoughtful. “Especially if supplies run low.”

“I’ll show you everything I can,” Ji Hyo said. “It’s not a perfect substitute, but it might save a life.”

The group exchanged grateful glances, and Ji Hyo felt a sense of purpose.

---

A Moment of Connection

As the fire crackled and the group began to disperse for the night, Rick placed a hand on Ji Hyo’s shoulder.

“Thank you,” he said. “For sharing this with us. It means a lot.”

Ji Hyo smiled, her heart warming. “We’re in this together, right?”

Rick nodded. “Together.”

As Ji Hyo watched the others head to their rooms, she felt a deep sense of belonging. For the first time in years, her unique struggles and skills were not just a burden—they were a gift to the people she now called family.