Days passed, and the warning of the trees weighed heavily on Lira. She walked through the village, sensing unease in every corner. The fishermen whispered about her gift, the mothers watched her with cautious eyes, and the children followed her steps as if waiting for another prophecy.
Dario grew bolder. "She saved us from storms, yes," he said loudly in the square. "But now she claims trees speak? This is madness. We cannot let her rule us with fear."
Some villagers nodded, torn between gratitude and doubt. Elder Ramos raised his staff. "We must decide. Do we trust her, or do we return to our own ways?"
The council called for a trial of trust. Lira was asked to prove her gift once more.
Standing before the villagers, thumb pressed against her lips, she closed her eyes. The wind curled around her ears, the sea murmured faintly, and the trees rustled with urgency.
Fire will come. Hunger will follow. Prepare food. Guard the flames.
She opened her eyes. "The danger is not water. It is fire. And hunger. We must store food and watch our fires carefully."
The villagers murmured. Some believed, others scoffed. Dario laughed. "Fire? Hunger? These are ordinary troubles. She only guesses."
But Aling Rosa stepped forward, her voice strong. "She has never lied. If she says fire will come, then we must prepare."
The council hesitated, torn. Finally, Elder Ramos spoke. "We will watch. If her words prove true, then we will trust her fully. If not, then her gift is only imagination."
The trial was set. Lira felt the weight of the village's eyes upon her. She sucked her thumb, listening, and the whispers curled around her like a promise: Truth will burn brighter than doubt.