Riaan woke to another misty morning, the river curling along its usual path. Today, his focus was on improving mobility within the village. Carrying heavy loads had always been a challenge, and even with carts and levers, villagers struggled to transport goods efficiently.

He gathered the materials he had collected over previous trips: wood, rope, and a few metal scraps. His plan was simple—reinforce existing pathways and build small bridges where water channels interrupted movement.

“Riaan, can we help?” one of the older children asked, carrying a bundle of sticks.

“Of course,” Riaan replied. “But follow instructions carefully. Safety first.”

Adults joined in, offering labor and advice. Even Elder Tarek lingered nearby, observing rather than criticizing. For once, Riaan felt the weight of responsibility shared, and it made the task less daunting.

Over the course of the day, small bridges took shape over muddy paths and shallow streams. Villagers learned to coordinate tasks—some carried materials, others held beams in place, and children ran messages between teams. Riaan taught them to think ahead: how to balance weight, reinforce supports, and prevent collapse.

By afternoon, the first bridge was complete. A small group of children tested it, walking carefully from one side to the other. Their laughter echoed when they successfully crossed without incident. Adults followed, more confident now in the practicality of the work.

Riaan observed silently, noting both successes and small errors. Each mistake became a teaching moment. “See? If the beam isn’t aligned, the load can tip. Adjusting early saves effort later,” he explained.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the bridges were nearly finished. Villagers moved more freely, carrying firewood, water, and grain with less effort. The practical changes were visible, and Riaan could see pride in their eyes.