Compliments arrived attached to adjustments. “Lovely dress. That shade is grace.” A beat later, it was followed by “Chin slightly lower—photographs come out better.” Evelyn complied, the way one does in group photos to keep the peace. Aaron’s shoulders eased at the sight, relief visibly showing his sense of gratitude.
Bite sizes were moderated, salt passed counterclockwise, and forks rested at precise angles. None of it seemed unkind, but all of it was binding. Evelyn thought of seatbelts that tighten even when you haven’t crashed, the soft restraint of a system convinced it is saving you from yourself.