The River That Spoke Only Once

A river that had murmured for centuries suddenly went silent. People worried it had dried inside, but its waters flowed clear and strong. One day, a wanderer sat by the edge, asking nothing, simply listening. For the first time in history, the river spoke: “Most people listen to water to hear themselves. You came to hear me.” It then revealed forgotten histories carved into its depths. When the wanderer left, the river fell silent again—but now its silence felt like a gift, reserved for those willing to hear without expecting.