When the Drums Remembered Respect

Previously

…He felt a surge of renewed purpose, a sense of a path opening before him. He stood, facing the silent drums, his grandmother beside him. He looked out at the villagers, their faces still etched with worry, but now with a nascent spark of hope. He could feel Elder Maeve’s kind eyes on him, and he knew she was watching, waiting. Together, Kaelen and Elara walked towards the largest drum. This time, Kaelen didn't rush. He walked with measured steps, his head held neither too high nor too low, but with a quiet dignity. He felt the eyes of the village on him, but the knot in his stomach had begun to loosen, replaced by a steady, determined beat. He was ready to listen. He was ready to respect.