Hammering echoed from all sides.

  Planks came and went, being handed to those responsible for securing them, and thus, walls continued to be erected all around. The smell of wood was strong and spread everywhere, just like the noise of nails that seemed to echo inside one's ears.

  This is more tedious than I imagined...

  Sighing, Noah turned around.

  From atop the structure, he could see the other houses being built around him. Simple dwellings with four walls, a window, and a door. No one seemed to have enough will or spirit to put more detail into the constructions. Some even thought making them was a waste of time. After all, how much longer would they continue living...?

  There were jokes and smiles echoing, even if their falseness was evident.

  If he had to use a single word to describe the scene, Noah would use "depressing."

  — Hey, my arm is getting tired. — Ting said, calling his attention downward. — Is that daydream of yours going to take much longer?

  Noah grabbed the thick plank with one hand and positioned it on the roof. He didn't have a hammer in hand, for he was capable of driving the nails with the sheer strength of his fingers. He only needed to apply a little pressure.

  — Is this the last one?

  He nodded, taking the plank.

  Ting stretched with her arms up. She had never done that kind of work, and she found it invigorating in a way. She didn't understand why Noah wore such a tired expression and was given to sighing. This was fun.

  — Alright, let's go to the next one!

  — ...You seem to be enjoying this. — Noah commented, then jumped down from the roof.

  — And you aren't?

  His eyebrow arched. But he ended up yielding to those enthusiastic eyes.

  He sighed.

  — Well, it's not the worst thing I've ever done...

  — So, it's not bad, is it?

  Ting grabbed Noah’s hand and took the lead. She felt that if she had to match his pace, they would only reach the places needing help by the next day.

  — Hey, children! — an old lady shouted, calling to them. — Wait!

  She approached them as fast as she could, which wasn't much, given she was unable to run. She carried a small wooden platter in her hands, not very full.

  She stopped to catch her breath and, when she straightened up, saw she did so with Ting’s help.

  — Are you alright, Mrs. Yiran? Do you need anything else?

  — If I need... — saddened, old Yiran looked at the platter where she had positioned a few pieces of apple to fill as much space as possible. — It's not much, but... I thank you for what you two did for me.

  Even hesitant, Ting reached out to accept. The touches on her back, however, made her recoil.

  Noah shook his head in silence.

  They had been in that place for some time, with the afternoon showing its end through the changing color of the skies fading from blue to orange. However, no matter the time, they didn't see a single person eating. They could hear stomachs grumbling, or at least Noah could, for Ting chose to distance herself from such details that would make her lose focus on what she had to do. They were able to notice the weakness of some, especially the elderly.

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  She smiled with a tight chest. Squeezed her hand to contain the tremors, and then pushed the platter back toward Yiran.

  — We are fine, ma'am... It would be better for you to save this so you can eat later.

  — But—

  Ting ran to distance herself, waving with a smile. She needed to leave before the tears escaped.

  Perhaps because of the naturalness with which everyone appeared to be acting, she ended up forgetting what kind of situation those people were really in.

  No...

  — And look for us if you need anything, alright, ma'am? — she said, already distant.

  The smile closed as soon as she turned around. Sniffling, she wiped her tears.

  It was me who was trying to make it seem like everything is okay... All by myself...

  — Stubborn girl... — Mrs. Yiran murmured to herself.

  — I agree. — Noah said, sighing.

  — And you, boy... Take good care of her. She's going to end up hurting herself if she continues like this, so tell her you can't help everyone.

  Before, this seemed strange to him, something like the ability to see Qi in the environment. However, now, with such transparency, Noah understood it was something with a fundamental difference.

  That which everyone possesses, but which is not equal.

  Time...

  His eyes saw with extreme clarity the spark of life that shone in many, while in some others it appeared dull, being consumed by darkness.

  If I am right, it seems she doesn't have much left.

  He bowed discreetly.

  — I hope you stay well, ma'am.

  And he left in search of Ting. Leaving Yiran behind with doubt regarding the veracity of those words.

  It really is frightening how those eyes change depending on who they are looking at.

  She shook her head, denying the chills.

  Maybe it is you who needs more help now, child, not us...

  — Thank you, Ting! Seriously, it's amazing how strong you are. Are you sure you two aren't part of the four families?

  — Maybe they serve the city lord. — someone commented.

  — But aren't they dealing with the situation in the west and east?

  — Then maybe they are part of the Hall.

  — Hey, can you help me here? These are really heavy.

  — Sure!

  — Are you not ashamed to keep asking a child to do your work?

  Ting smiled, lifting the last plank from the ground.

  — No, I—

  — And you, old Hú! How dare you say that, after spending the day asking them to fetch planks for you?

  — Why, you...

  — Err... Seriously, it's okay...

  Ting shuddered upon feeling her shoulders being touched. And then she realized who it was thanks to the firmness of the hands in question.

  — No, it isn't. — Noah said. — You need to rest a little now.

  — No, but... Alright... — she looked away.

  — Don't worry, I will help them for now. — Noah spoke, while patting the top of her head.

  — Again... I already told you not to do that in front of other people! — she murmured.

  Laughter echoed from all sides, making her feel even more embarrassed.

  Noah looked around, searching for a place where she could sit.

  — Stay over there so I can see you. — he pointed to beneath the tree whose aged-looking leaves had been affected by the phoenix's heat. — And this time I am serious, you are to rest.

  She walked to the spot, as if compacting the soil with her steps. Sat leaning against the wide trunk and brought her knees to her chest.

  And what happened to the whole "you can do whatever you want" story? Controller...

  Noah sighed.

  The huge bonfire built in the middle of the street illuminated the environment well enough for people to see what they were doing. Sometimes shouts and curses were heard, signaling that someone hadn't managed to see accurately and, in the end, hit their own hand. When it came time to nail the roof, these sounds became even more recurrent thanks to the dark shadows created and the reach of the flames' glow.

  It moved as if pulled by carts and reached the top of the skies, the moon. By the time that happened, five more houses were close to completion.

  Ting didn't sleep, and neither did she get up. When the people went to rest for the next day, Noah sat beside her under the tree and moonlight, where both were struck by a fresh breeze.

  — What are you thinking about now? What they said about the west and the east?

  She didn't nod, nor did she deny. Choosing to stay silent for a moment.

  — Apparently, they are having even bigger problems over there... Could that also have been caused by...

  — Probably... — pulling her toward him, Noah laid her on his lap. He arranged her hair so he could see her entire face. — Since you want to stay around here, why don't you sleep a little and we check that out tomorrow?

  Looking away, Ting turned in silence.

  Noah began to stroke her hair.

  — ...I can't... — she revealed. — I am afraid that if I do, I won't wake up anymore...