Loss clarified what pressure could not. The morning after Ethan left, Lynda did not check reports first. She did not open emails. She did not look for updates. Because for the first time since the pressure began, she was no longer thinking about defense. She was thinking about response.

Not reaction.

Response

There was a difference.

She stood by the window in her apartment, watching the city move with its usual indifference. Cars flowed. People walked. Systems operated.

Everything looked ...