The morning sun streamed through the window, landing gently on Aclric's face. He stirred in bed, rubbing his eyes as he slowly woke. Wearing a simple white shirt, he sat up and looked outside. There, just beyond the house, Oliver was chopping a fallen tree into pieces.
Aclric stood up, stretched, and walked outside. Oliver noticed him and gave a warm smile.
"Good morning," Oliver greeted.
"Good morning," Aclric replied, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Oliver pointed toward the water pump out front. "Go wash your face over there."
Aclric nodded. "Okay."
He made his way to the pump, where a bucket was already placed beneath it. He pumped the water into the bucket, scooped it into his hands, and splashed it on his face. The cold water helped wake him fully. He dried his face with a towel and stepped back into the house.
