The sound of flowing water continued behind us, steady and alive, as we made our way back toward the main area of the village, and even from a distance, I could already see that people had begun to gather.
They were awake.
All of them.
Earlier than expected.
I slowed slightly as we approached, my gaze moving across the villagers as they stood in small groups, some already preparing tools, others clearing small areas, and a few simply waiting, but no one was idle.
I stopped.
Then I looked at them.
"Why are you all awake so early?" I asked.
There was no accusation in my tone.
Only observation.
For a brief moment, they exchanged glances among themselves before one of the older men stepped forward.
"If this place is going to change," he said, "then waking up early is just the first step."
Another person nodded.
"We cannot keep waiting for things to happen," a woman added. "We have to start doing something."
Murmurs of agreement followed.
I watched them quietly.
