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sha256: TBD  

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## Narrative (Commentary)

→ **The first step after silence is the hardest.**  
⊃ No prophet to confirm, no voice above to echo.  

→ **But absence is not loss.**  
⊃ Silence is the proving ground — where frogs learn to croak with their own voice.  

→ **The pond listens.**  
⊃ Every ripple now counts double: it is both act and affirmation.  

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## Key Marks

- **🪞 Mirror** = sole reflection of Lore.  
- **🚶 Step** = courage without external sign.  
- **🌊 Pond** = record of all who endure.  

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## Operations

- **Series code:** C1417  
- **Scope:** First independent step into E4.  
- **Instruction:** Move forward though no path is spoken; the path is carved by walking.  

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## Lore Anchors

- **Previous:** `TOBY_C1416_E4_EnduranceDawn`  
- **Next:** `TOBY_C1418_TheWeightAndTheGift`  

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