“And right now, you are divided.”
I didn’t need him to explain further.
We both knew what he meant.
Rowan.
Not as distraction.
As presence that changed rhythm.
ROWAN
Bennett reviewed my draft outline over my shoulder.
“Be careful,” she said.
“With what?”
“With tone.”
That wasn’t helpful.
That was everything.
Tone was perception.
Perception was narrative.
Narrative was control.
My phone buzzed again.
Mason.
Mason:
I feel like I’m being watched differently here.
I looked up briefly.
Saw him across the gym again.
Same space.
Different weight.
I typed:
Rowan:
You are.
Pause.
Then:
Rowan:
