Dear Diary,
The weight of my grief remains a constant companion, wrapping itself around me each morning and night. The tears come unbidden, a reminder of all that I have lost. But despite the sorrow, I know that I must continue living, if not for myself, then for the memory of those who are no longer here. Enki, ever patient, nudges me gently with his muzzle each morning, as if to say, "We must go on."
Today, I resolved to stay by the waterfall and dedicate myself to practicing the phenomenon that had saved my life—the mysterious power that had surged from within me. The mana stone, now a dull, lifeless rock, lay beside me as a silent testament to its once-great power. Though its warmth had faded, I could still feel a lingering heat within myself, a spark that I hoped to kindle into a flame.
I began my practice early, the morning sun barely cresting over the treetops. I found a quiet spot by the edge of the pool, the sound of the waterfall providing a soothing backdrop to my efforts. Sitting cross-legged, I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
"Focus," I whispered to myself, extending my hands over the water. I remembered the sensation from before—the rush of energy, the warmth spreading through my veins. I tried to summon that feeling again, imagining the water responding to my will.
Minutes stretched into hours as I concentrated, my hands trembling with the effort. At first, nothing happened. Frustration threatened to overwhelm me, but I pushed it aside, reminding myself that this was a journey, and progress would not come easily.
"Come on, Lia," I murmured, my voice barely audible over the roar of the waterfall. "You can do this."
I continued to practice, my mind and body growing weary as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Every so often, I would stop to rest, taking a drink from the cool pool and nibbling on the fruits we had gathered. Enki watched me with quiet curiosity, his large eyes seeming to understand the importance of what I was trying to achieve.
In the early afternoon, I felt a flicker of hope. A tingling sensation spread through my fingers, faint but unmistakable. Encouraged, I redoubled my efforts, my brow furrowed in concentration. Slowly, ever so slowly, I began to feel a response. My palm grew warm, and to my amazement, a few drops of water began to form on my skin, shimmering like tiny jewels in the sunlight.
"It's working," I gasped, excitement bubbling up inside me. The drops of water coalesced into a small stream, trickling down my hand. Though it was a far cry from the powerful blast that had saved me, it was progress, and that alone filled me with renewed determination.
I spent the rest of the day practicing, my efforts yielding small but consistent results. Each time I managed to summon the water, the stream grew a little stronger, a little more controlled. By the time the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the waterfall, I was able to create a steady trickle of water from my palm.
Exhausted but elated, I finally allowed myself to rest. I leaned back against a smooth rock, closing my eyes and letting the sounds of the jungle wash over me. Enki settled beside me, his warm presence a comforting reassurance.
"Tomorrow," I whispered to the darkening sky. "Tomorrow, I'll do even better."
As the stars began to twinkle overhead, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. The grief and pain of my loss were still there, but now they were tempered by a sense of purpose. The power within me was real, and with each passing day, I was learning to harness it.
We set up camp by the waterfall once more, the fire crackling softly as I prepared a simple meal. The ache in my arm from the previous day's injury was a reminder of the challenges we faced, but the progress I had made today gave me strength.
As I lay down to sleep, the gentle sound of the waterfall in the background, I felt a small measure of peace. The path ahead was still uncertain, but I was beginning to believe that I could face whatever came my way. With Enki by my side and the power of the mana stone within me, I was ready to continue this journey, wherever it might lead.
Until tomorrow, Diary.
Lia