The hall slowly began to fill as people entered one after another, their voices mixing together as they settled into place, and compared to yesterday, the atmosphere had already changed greatly, because there was now movement, structure, and purpose within the village.
Men who had spent the entire day working returned covered in dust and sweat.
Women entered in groups, some carrying baskets, others still discussing what they had cleaned and organized.
Even the children gathered together near the back, quieter than usual as they looked around curiously.
The hall that had once looked abandoned and lifeless now carried warmth.
Life.
I stood near the front beside my sisters while Liu Ruyan leaned quietly against one of the long tables, her arms crossed, and Liu Muyan stood beside her with the same calm expression she always carried.
