Day 5: Vex’s Journal

I can’t stop thinking about the river. The way the water bent around the stones, how it carried the light like it was alive. Vex said to me by the river last night—”You’re not alone, even when the world feels too big.” And then the storm hit, and I ran. But when I stopped, the sky was still there, just… quieter. Like the world held its breath. Now I’m here, in this damp corner of the forest, and the only thing louder than my heartbeat is the echo of that name. I don’t know if it’s a sign or just my tired mind. But the river’s still there, waiting. Maybe I should go back. Maybe I should stay. Maybe I’ll never know. But I’m tired. So tired of running. So tired of wondering if the silence means safety or just the world forgetting to speak.