CHAPTER 1: Where the River Curves Instead of Ending

Jonah Elric arrived in Belmoor at a time when the river looked undecided.

The water slowed near the town, widening as though considering whether to continue forward or remain where it was. Fog drifted just above the surface, thin enough to reveal the stone bridge but thick enough to soften its edges.

Jonah stood at the railing, hands resting on the cold stone, and watched the current move past him.

It had been fifteen years.

The river looked the same.

That unsettled him more than change would have.

Belmoor had been built around the bend—not beside the river, not against it, but with quiet acceptance of its presence. Houses leaned inward toward narrow streets. Shops opened early and closed without announcement. Nothing here demanded attention.

Jonah adjusted the strap of his bag and crossed the bridge.

Halfway across, he stopped.

There, carved faintly into the stone, were markings he remembered.

Lines.

Dates.

Initials, worn smooth by time and weather.

People had been leaving pieces of themselves here for generations.

At the far end of the bridge, a small sign stood near the path:

Mind the current. It keeps what you give it.

Jonah read it twice.

He had once laughed at that sentence.

Now he felt its weight.

The town greeted him without ceremony.

A bell rang somewhere—not loud, not urgent. A door opened. Someone swept dust from a step, pausing briefly to glance up.

No one recognized him.

And yet, he felt expected.

Jonah found the house easily.

It stood near the riverbank, its windows facing the water, its porch narrow but well-kept. The door opened with a familiar resistance.

Inside, the air carried the scent of wood and old paper.

On the table near the window lay a small notebook.

Jonah froze.

He had not brought it with him.

He picked it up slowly.

Inside were blank pages—except the first.

Written carefully at the top:

Promises are not meant to be rushed.

Jonah sat down.

Outside, the river continued its steady movement, carrying reflections of sky and stone without question.

For the first time since arriving, Jonah understood.

He had not returned to Belmoor to finish something.

He had returned to listen.

If you’re ready, reply with:

“Give me Chapter 2”

The next chapter will deepen the mystery of the notebook and the river’s role, while remaining fully compliant and completely distinct from previous stories.