Page 125 of Pocket Wife

Celia moves closer to the board. “Elders.”

“I have that,” I say.

“No, child. You have pride. I have old people.” Celia lifts her voice. “Anyone over sixty-five, anyone with limited mobility, anyone pretending not to be either, report household water to me. If you lie, I will know. If you hide extra, I will know faster.”

A few tired smiles appear.

Celia points at them. “Smiling does not exempt you.”

I let that stand. “Jessa, household reserve count. Voluntary report first. No seizures.”

Reviewer Noll interrupts. “Miss Hartwell, voluntary reporting may be insufficient for safety compliance.”

I face the screen. “Forced collection will make people hide water. Trust will get us a truer number.”

Corvek’s voice enters, smooth and helpful. “Helix can remove that burden. Our temporary shelter ridge is ready to receive vulnerable residents within the hour. Medical continuity, water, bedding, and food are available.”

The clusters of fear change shape.

I see it happen.

Not betrayal.

Need.

A mother whispers to her husband. An old man glances toward the door. Nara’s hold tightens around her son.

I hate Corvek then with a clarity so clean it almost steadies me.

I face the hall before anyone can feel ashamed. “Listen to me. If you leave because your child needs care, because you are sick, because you are afraid, you are not betraying us. I will never call survival disloyalty.”

Corvek’s smile warms.

I keep going.

“But before anyone accepts a Helix bed, we read every word attached to it.”

The warmth leaves Corvek’s face.

Director Kaun’s seal flashes. “Adjudicator Salo, Authority submits supplemental discovery regarding Helix shelter capacity.”

Sen appears beside Corvek. “Objection. This is outside the ration plan.”

Salo looks to Noll.

Noll’s expression remains flat. “If shelter is offered as a safety remedy, its terms are relevant.”

I keep my gaze from Rethan.

I want to.

I feel him across the room, held behind procedure and discipline, burning with information he cannot give me unless asked.

Salo asks.

“Specialist Veyr, read the relevant clause.”

Rethan steps to his station. His voice carries through the hall, calm enough to make the words worse.