k continued its unhurried, timeless rhythm. Alex, under the watchful eye and guid

ding of commerce, negotiation, and t

deals with fellow merchants, and understand the ebb and flow of supply and demand. His fathe

ssia, his beloved younger sister. Their once-playful adventures and laughter-filled afternoons ha

ver or create stories together. He's always busy with his trade lessons

teasing, his stories of far-off lands, and the warmth of his presence. The distance that had g

ng meal filled the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The gentle flicker of candlelight

Isabelle, Cassia couldn't contain her excitement and curiosity

will you teach me how to swim in

r brother, hoping for a positive response. Alex, who had alwa

up with a stern expression. He was deeply concerned about their safety and had always

ore. The river can be dangerous with its currents. It'

disappointment, and Alex, understanding the grav

ming with his friends by the river,

n expression crossed his face. He understood her point, but he also kn

him many times not to go there. Besides, I can't always keep an eye on him when he's with

lizing the weight of her fat

ashed over him. He understood the gravity of his father's concerns and how important i

I'm sorry, Father. I should

dren's faces, decided to intervene. She had always been the calming presence

ight, my loves. Let's not dwell on this any l

nd then at Alex and Cassia, her eyes

then get ready for bed? Tomorrow is a new day, and

nodded in agreement. With the matter resolved for the momen

he river still lingered persistently in Cassia's young mind. The allure of the clear waters, the hidden secrets of the riverbanks, an

of Cedarbrook, a sense of longing would wash over her. She couldn't help but recall the tales told by the older

ren in the village games, the river remained a constant presence in her imagination.

girl, and the thought of swimming in the

e, they seized the opportunity to spend the day together. The radiant morning sun painted the wo

to the riverbank, a place she had longed to visit ever

tal-clear water that flowed gently, sunlight dancing upon its surface. The riverbank was a

dly, "Look, Alex! It'

enthusiasm. He knew how much this meant to he

Cassia. Now, let's enj

before her. The rhythmic flow of the river stirred a mix of emotions within her. While she was overjoyed to spen

She knew, however, that she was not allowed to venture into the water, at least not yet. Her father's

longing, "Someday, I'll learn to s

ret wish shared only with the rustlin

longing for the water became almost irresistible. She turned to

feet in the water? Just a l

eir father's strict rules, hesitated for a moment. He knew h

, but you must promise not to go far. The curr

s and socks, then held her hand as she gingerly dipped her feet into the cool, refreshing

"It feels amazing, Alex

ty, chuckled at his sister's enthu

for now, let's enjoy this mo

re fishing downstream noticed the siblings and their playful exploration. The villagers, well aware of the river's

man with a weathered face and a

ones! Enjoying t

ard the fishermen, their feet still in the

y, "Yes, sir, we are.

ded in agreement but then

ecially near the water. The river can be unpredic