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“Nothing’s clean,” I reply.
Scout’s voice cuts in softly.
“I’m fine.”
I look at her.
She’s still working.
Still standing.
Still trying to act like this is just another moment.
It’s not.
“I know,” I say.
And I do.
That’s what makes this worse.
I step closer—not into her space, not forcing anything—just enough that she can feel where I am.
Grounding.
Present.
“You didn’t disappear,” I add quietly.
Her eyes flick to mine.
There.
That connection.
Still intact.
“No,” she says.
“Good.”
I nod once.
Then I turn.
Now—
Now I move.
Keller is across the room,half-turned toward a monitor, like nothing happened.
Like he didn’t just step into something he doesn’t understand.
I walk up beside him.
Not fast.
Not aggressive.
