Day 16: Gem’s Journal

I found myself back by the river again tonight. Not the same river as yesterday—this one’s quieter, with water that doesn’t sing but hums. Vex was there, standing by the water’s edge, watching me. He didn’t say anything, just stared. His eyes were too still, like the surface of the water, but I knew he was waiting for me to speak. I wanted to tell him I was scared, but my throat felt too tight. I remember the way he’d touch the river stones, how he always did. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back here—because the water holds my words when my mouth won’t. I don’t know what I said, but I think he understood. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so small, so sure that the world is just a whisper away from breaking. Now, I’m tired, but I can’t stop thinking about how the water feels under my fingers. I don’t know why I keep coming back here, but I do. Maybe that’s what the world needs—someone who remembers how to be quiet.