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He steps closer, setting the tablet on the table beside me.
For a second, everything is normal.
Then—
He hesitates.
Just slightly.
Most people wouldn’t notice it.
I do.
His eyes flick to me.
Then away.
A small shift in posture.
Subtle.
Controlled.
And then—
“You might want to… keep it a little lower,” he says.
The words are quiet.
Careful.
Like he doesn’t want to offend.
But they land.
Hard.
Not because of what he said.
Because of how he said it.
My chest tightens instantly.
Not fear.
Recognition.
That tone.
That look.
Don’t be so loud, Scout.
I go still.
Completely still.
The room doesn’t change.
