A leash doesn't yank.
It guides.
That was the mistake most people made when they thought about control. They imagined force, restraint, orders barked into megaphones. They didn't imagine warm voices, open palms, and choices that all bent in the same direction.
The city woke gentler than it had in weeks.
Soft music lingered in the air from portable speakers. Chairs were already arranged before anyone arrived. Facilitators greeted people by name, remembered details, asked how the night had been.
Care had learned faces.
That mattered.
Arjun slowed his steps."It feels… nice," he said, uncertain.
"Yes," I replied."That's why it's dangerous."
✦
The circles were larger now.
Not because more people wanted to talk—but because fewer places remained to stand without being noticed. Open spaces had been subtly repurposed. Tables placed here. Mats there. Movement routes redirected gently, naturally.
No barriers.
Just suggestions.
The other Ishaan aligned, voice calm and sharp.
