Sa Pa Council Chamber Stage Sunset Monsoon

Warm amber light from the setting sun spills across the polished wooden floor of the council chamber, stretching soft reflections toward the stage. Rows of simple wooden chairs face a modest podium with a microphone stand under the tall windows. Heavy monsoon clouds outside diffuse the sky into muted gray-blue, while the last direct rays paint the lower walls in gold. Dust particles hang in the slanted beams near the ceiling. Empty seats line the rows beside the stage. A microphone cable snakes across the floor, resting against the hem of a heavy velvet curtain drawn to the side.