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The next day, everyone regrouped, then split up again for new tasks.

Mazen's team walked for hours, scouting the area, searching for anything edible.

Mustafa's group, on a different path away from the forest, heard the sound of rushing water.

They ran toward it... a river!

Laughter broke out as they splashed in the water, joyfully playing.

Majd sat by the riverbank, watching them, unsure.

He hadn't dared step in.

Farah called out:

"Come on, Majd! Join us!"

But he hesitated, unsure, eyes full of fear.

Mary smiled gently.

"We're happy, but it won't feel complete unless you're with us."

Majd, his voice low and shaky:

"I've never swum before... I'm scared of pools, and rivers too."

Mary reassured him:

"Then don't swim. Just dip your feet in the water. Let us feel you're with us, not alone among us."

Majd stood up slowly.

"Okay... if that makes you happy."

But before he could step forward, without warning, Mary placed both hands on his back and pushed him in!

Majd fell with a splash.

He looked up at Mary, eyes narrowed in shock.

She burst out laughing:

"Live in the moment! Today, we have a chance to laugh and play. Let's forget the fear, just for now."

She jumped into the river, stood in front of him, and playfully tapped his forehead with her finger.

"Lighten up, will you? Don't be the mood killer!" She laughed again.

Mustafa splashed water at Majd, joining in the play.

They were all laughing, carefree, unaware of what awaited them next...

And Majd?

He was trying.

Trying to belong.

And maybe, just maybe... he finally felt like he did.

Farah's voice rang out from the heart of the river, playful and loud:

"Fiiiiiiish! FISH!"

Everyone burst into laughter, peering into the water. Tiny fish swam between their legs, as if they too were part of the game, basking under the golden sun.

But Mustafa had something else in mind.

He stepped out of the river, eyes sharp with purpose.

"Mary, come with me."

"Where to?" she asked, following him with hesitant steps.

"Let's make some spears. We're going fishing."

At the edge of the forest, Mustafa reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, sharp knife. He began cutting long, straight branches from the trees, inspecting each carefully before selecting.

Mary watched him with growing curiosity.

"Where did you learn to hunt? Even with that snake... I didn't expect you to handle it so calmly, like you were dealing with a cat. The way you held that stick…"

Mustafa chuckled, shaping the tip of the stick into a point with his blade.

"My life was never boring. I used to go on solo trips. I studied the forest, watched animals, filmed them... I loved adventure."

Mary smiled. A quiet glint of admiration sparkled in her eyes.

Soon, they returned to the river with a bundle of spears in hand.

Mustafa began explaining:

"Hold the spear steady. Watch the flow... Once you see a fish near, strike fast, no hesitation!"

Farah was the first to try.

Then Majd.

One by one, they all took turns, laughing, splashing, racing to test their luck.

Laughter echoed through the air, water flying everywhere like bursts of joy.

Mustafa removed his shirt, tied the sleeves and collar into a pouch, and started placing the caught fish inside.

Majd shouted with excitement:

"We're eating grilled fish tonight! This adventure is one for the books!"

Mary approached him, gently tapping his cheek with her fingers:

"Look how happy he is... like a little kid."

Farah giggled, shaking her head:

"Dinner's gonna be fancy tonight. Very fancy."

Zein glanced at Mustafa with a mix of envy and admiration.

He put a hand on Mustafa's shoulder:

"You're our hero, man. We're all gonna learn so much from you."

Mustafa, smiling innocently:

"We're all heroes here. You too, Zein."

Zein raised an eyebrow:

"You're just trying to cheer me up, right?"

Mustafa:

"Not at all. Your time will come, and when it does, you'll see."

He looked up at the sky.

"Let's head back before it gets dark."

They returned to the apartment, clothes soaked and streaked with dirt, but their hearts were light, happy, full of stories and the taste of a simple triumph.

Mazen spotted them from a distance.

"What happened to you guys? Why are you all soaked and covered in dirt?"

Mustafa, grinning:

"We found a river. Got bored, so we went for a swim. Changed up the routine a bit, you know?"

Tala, curious:

"What's going on? What do you have with you?"

Majd, excited:

"Fish! We're having grilled fish tonight!"

Moayad, surprised and relieved:

"Looks like we won't have to worry about dinner tonight. We caught three rabbits, and now you've brought fish too."

Abeer, cheerful, held out her hands:

"Give me the fish, I'll clean them."

Waseem got to work lighting the fire.

Mary and Abeer began cleaning the fish.

Farah and Mustafa handled the rabbits.

Sawsan and Tala sat by the fire, chatting.

The rest were busy setting up the makeshift table around the flames.

Once the food was ready, Tala and Sawsan passed out the plates to everyone.

Tala smiled as she handed them out:

"Dinner's a bit small tonight, but let's make it work. Maybe tomorrow will be better."

From across the fire, Mary watched Tala, a soft smile on her lips.

She's like a shining sun. Everyone loves her...

Moayad followed closely behind Tala, like her shadow, drawn to her warmth, trying to get just a little closer.

As time passed, everyone headed to their rooms, everyone except Mary.

She sat alone under the night sky, gazing upward in silence.

Mazen noticed her. She hadn't gone to her room like the others.

He hesitated, but then decided, this is my chance.

Even if it was just a short conversation, he had to try.

He approached slowly, shy and unsure, nervous about how she might react. Would she ignore him? Brush him off?

With a voice tinged in hesitation, he asked:

"Why aren't you asleep?"

Mary:

"I couldn't sleep. What about you? Still afraid? The system's been quiet... no new games."

She gave a calm, reassuring smile.

"Don't overthink it. You're the leader. If they sense you're scared, they'll lose faith. We'll stay united, no matter how hard or cruel the next game is."

Mazen sat beside her on the ground.

The sky above them was clear, different from the cities.

Mary smiled gently:

"Back there, the tall buildings, the streetlights... they always covered the moonlight. Here, the stars finally get to shine."

Mazen smiled back.

He had finally done it.

He started a real conversation with her.

From the window above, Tala watched them.

Her eyes filled with jealousy, and something darker.

A thousand questions raced through her mind.