Wisdom at the rivers' crossing

My condolences to the friends of the disappeared. Cissus is gone as well, and her absence dims the sunlight over these fields, faint already in this cold and dark season. Parting is worst when it is sudden; but all the bonds we make are ultimately contingencies against a mute and chaotic world. Storms pass. We build again.


The restoration of the fields continues to be a challenging project; I consider myself responsible, and am attempting to devise an alternative solution. I must beg your patience.


[There is a pause, and then a sketch appears, quickly and with Huo's usual neat precision. Looks like gears of a pocket watch. Beneath it, fainter writing.]

And still. I am grateful.


-- 火