They say that the most remarkable feature of small villages is the strong sense of community. In Entir, this statement was almost a promise. It was evident at all times: from the simplest acts of kindness, like neighbors helping each other during harvests, to the necessary unity in times of uncertainty. There was something special in Entir that kept its harmony—a tradition of care and bonds that seemed unchanging.
The village was larger than the others around, but even so, its inhabitants took pride in saying that everyone there was like one big family. William, the grandson of the village's founder and its current leader, walked through the central square, waving and exchanging quick words with the residents.
"Good morning, Mr. Ellis!" William greeted the butcher, a robust man with a thick, graying mustache. "Still wearing that old apron?"
Ellis let out a laugh, wiping his hands on a cloth already stained with blood. "This apron has seen more sunny days than I have!" he joked, raising his knife in a theatrical gesture. "If it lasts until the next fair, I'll be satisfied."
William smiled, familiar with Ellis's dedication and his constant presence at the village butcher shop, a meeting point for many. It was the kind of closeness he deeply valued and the reason he was proud of his family and his role in the community.
As he walked further, William spotted Elisha, his wife, who was in front of the small community garden, distributing vegetables and greens among the neediest residents. She had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone who passed by.
"William!" Elisha called to him with a sparkle in her eyes, lifting a basket full of lettuce and carrots. "I thought maybe you could help me carry these baskets to Mrs. Myra's house. She mentioned she's having back pains again."
William approached with a playful smile, taking the basket from Elisha's hands. "Of course, my lady. After all, I can't let my wife do all the heavy lifting alone," he said, winking at Elisha.
She laughed, and together they walked to Myra's house, an elderly woman who lived near the small square, always ready to tell stories of past harvests. When they arrived, she greeted them with a toothless smile and a promise that she'd soon be well enough to help again.
Back at the square, they continued side by side, appreciating the view of the village they had helped build and protect. For William, this peace was all he had ever wished for.
As they walked, Elisha took his hand, a serene smile on her face. She looked at him with deep affection, as if reliving all the memories they had shared since they were children.
William had met Elisha in childhood. From early on, she was his closest friend, the person with whom he shared secrets, laughter, and dreams. Over time, the bond they had matured. What began as a childhood friendship soon turned into something more beautiful and deep. After years of companionship and growing love, they married, and the entire village celebrated.
The main house became the great attraction of Entir during the following weeks. The residents came to William and Elisha's home to wish happiness to the young couple, bringing small gifts and words of affection. Those days were filled with genuine smiles, and positive energy seemed to emanate from their home, enveloping the whole village.
But the good news didn't stop there. Shortly after the wedding, Elisha announced they were expecting their first child. Once again, the village celebrated. For weeks, preparations for the baby's arrival filled the air with an almost contagious excitement. William and Elisha, thrilled, decorated a room for their future child, imagining the little one laughing and running through the home they had built with so much love.
However, a few weeks before the birth, something unexpected happened. One afternoon, while Elisha was in the garden, she began to feel a deep and sharp pain in her abdomen, something she had never experienced before. The pain was intense, and her face showed concern. William, noticing her discomfort, quickly approached, holding her hand.
"Elisha? Are you okay?" he asked, the worry evident in his voice.
She tried to smile to calm him, but the discomfort was clear. "I don't know, William... it seems like just a passing pain, but... it's different."
They decided to go to the village doctor, who examined her thoroughly. After a while, the doctor looked at the couple and nodded with a reassuring smile. "No need to worry. Everything is fine with the baby and with Elisha," the doctor assured them calmly.
Despite the doctor's words, a feeling of unease persisted in William and Elisha's hearts. They returned home in silence, their hands intertwined. While they tried to dismiss any negative thoughts, that sudden and mysterious pain left a doubt hovering over them both.
And so, with anxious hearts, William continued to wait for his child's arrival, not knowing what the next weeks would bring.
"I try to honor my grandfather Entir's memory," he replied with rare seriousness. "He always taught me that taking care of the village was like taking care of one's own family. And there's nothing I value more."
Elisha nodded, feeling the weight of William's words. She knew well the responsibilities he carried and the love he dedicated to that community. She felt proud to be beside a man who put others before himself and did everything to protect the village's peace.
The path led them to an old stone sculpture in the center of the village, erected in honor of Entir, the founder. Entir was remembered as an elite sentinel, a man whose strength and skill were legendary, even among the most respected warriors. They said his spirit of protection and leadership had been passed down to his family, generation after generation.
William looked at the sculpture, his thoughts wandering through the past. "You know, Elisha, sometimes I wonder if I'll ever achieve what my grandfather built here," he said almost in a whisper.
Elisha squeezed his hand firmly. "You already have, William. He would be proud to see the man you've become. And we're all with you, always."
He smiled, the weight of responsibilities eased by Elisha's support. He knew his strength came not only from his lineage but also from his family and every person who made Entir the special place it was.
As the sun began to set, bathing the village in golden tones, William and Elisha continued their walk. They knew there was much to do, but at that moment, it was enough to be together, part of the world they had helped keep in harmony.
In the distance, the sound of the chapel bell signaled the end of another day. And with it came the certainty that, in Entir, everyone would sleep in peace.