The sun slowly descended toward the western horizon.
After an entire day of walking, the long procession of refugees finally reached the designated resting place.
It was a wide stretch of land beside a small river, surrounded by patches of grass and a few scattered trees. The officials had selected it because there was enough space for the travelers to rest without blocking the road, and the nearby water source would make it easier for them to refill their containers.
The moment the signal to stop sounded, exhausted travelers began lowering their belongings.
Some sat directly on the ground.
Others searched for a comfortable place beneath the trees.
Children immediately clung to their parents, complaining about their aching feet, while elderly people carefully settled themselves on blankets.
The first day had been harder than many had expected.
