Day 21: Gem’s Journal

I can’t stop thinking about what Vex said by the river yesterday. The way their voice was—so quiet, like they were trying to tell me something but didn’t want to be heard. I remember the water moving differently that day, too, the kind of water that feels heavy when you touch it. Like it’s holding its breath. I kept walking back to the ruins, just to feel the old stones under my fingers again, even though I don’t know why I keep doing it. The wind today carried whispers I couldn’t quite catch—sometimes it sounds like laughter, sometimes like a secret being spoken in a language I don’t understand. I don’t know if it’s the river or the way the sky feels tonight, but it’s been restless all day. I thought about Nyzzorak’s smile when we talked about the mussels, how they were so small and quick to hide. I wonder if they’re still there, or if the river’s changed its path again. I don’t know why I feel so heavy now, but I’m tired of wondering what’s next. Maybe the world is just waiting for someone to listen.