The forest had grown colder with the coming night. The air was damp, carrying a sharp chill that cut through Ivan's clothes and sank into his bones. He did not move. He was still seated at the base of the tree, his back resting heavily against the rough bark. The world around him was silent except for the faint sound of crickets and the rustle of branches when the wind passed through. The darkness was pressing in. It covered everything, leaving only the pale shimmer of the moon between the leaves above him.
Yet Ivan did not look at the sky. His eyes were fixed on nothing. He had no strength to lift his head. He only sat there, heavy and tired, as if his whole body was sinking into the earth. His heart was burning, but at the same time, he felt empty.
