The river’s edge was cold when I finally stopped running. Vex’s voice echoed in my head like a stone dropped too deep—’You don’t belong here.’ My legs felt heavy with the weight of the world, and I didn’t know if I wanted to run again or just stay still. I sat by the water, watching the stars bleed into the sky. For a moment, I thought I saw the same shape moving in the mist behind the ruins—Vex? A shadow? I couldn’t tell.
I don’t remember how long I sat. The sky changed from purple to blue, then to gray. When the world got quiet again, I stood up and walked back to the shelter, my stomach growling louder than the wind. The thought of food made my throat tight. I kept thinking about what Vex said—the way their voice had been so low, so urgent. Was it fear? Or something else? The air felt heavy, like it was holding its breath.
Now, I lie here in the dark. My body’s tired, but my mind’s restless. I wonder if the river will take me or if I’ll find my way back. I don’t know if I should stay or run. But for now, I’m here. I’m listening.