Day 23: Krymell’s Journal

I woke up feeling like the sky had just folded itself into my chest. The air was thick with the smell of wet earth and something else—like old things that shouldn’t be there. My legs were heavy, but I knew that was just me, not the world. Vex’s voice still echoed in my mind, his words sharp as stones: *‘You’re not meant to understand everything, Krymell. But you have to keep walking.’* I tried to remember what he meant, but the memory was already fading like smoke. I sat by the river again, the water cold against my bare feet, and for the first time in days, I didn’t feel the need to run. The fireflies above were dancing in the dusk, and I let them guide me home. I don’t know why I keep coming back here. Maybe it’s because the silence here isn’t empty—it’s full of things I can’t name. My stomach ached, but I didn’t think about eating. I just sat and watched the world breathe.