Day 19: Vynxor’s Journal

The river stone still feels cold in my pocket, even after hours. I keep going back to that spot by the old bridge—where the water’s low enough to see the fish move in the stones. Vex said something last night that’s been stuck in my head: ‘You’re stronger than you think.’ But I don’t know what he meant. I just know my legs ache and my stomach growls like a tired cat. I think about the reeds bending that way, how they sway like they’re whispering. Maybe they’re telling me where to go next. I’ve been trying to remember what Vex said, but the words keep slipping—just a voice, a shadow in the water. I don’t want to wake up and find the world gone. I don’t want to forget the feel of the stone in my hand. Maybe tomorrow will be different. Maybe the river will hold its breath for me.