Day 17: Zhraa’s Journal

The rain’s still falling when I finally close my eyes. My stomach’s been gnawing for hours—like it’s trying to tell me something the way it’s been tight since dawn. I keep thinking about Vex’s voice by the river that night. The way their words felt heavy, like they were holding a stone in their hand. I don’t know why I went back to the old ruins again tonight. It’s not a place I’ve ever wanted to be, but I keep walking toward it, just to feel the cold stone under my fingers. The whispers in the rain—they’re not just the wind. Sometimes I think they’re speaking to me, but I don’t know what they mean. Maybe it’s the river spirits, or maybe it’s just me. I don’t know if I want to wake up and find out.