On day1680, the return head reached the lower edge of the forecast band.
It did not arrive everywhere at once.
At Hare Shelf, the morning inlet warmed earlier. Ashstep’s keeper held the optional draw closed. Rootwell’s outdoor court began its ordinary smaller turn with the wall already warmer than Pell preferred. Each change was local enough to look manageable.
Together they meant the season had reached them.
The natural chimney crew saw the first hard movement in the upper rock.
Nyla stopped the drill.
Its ordinary motor coasted under the guarded brake. Cooling water continued through the head. The relief stayed open at the keeper’s accepted setting. People withdrew from the cutting face before anyone argued about the reading.
A thin wet line had appeared across the high wall.
