The morning after his first cycle, Yan returned to the laboratory while the clinic was quiet. He had slept at home and eaten breakfast. The second practice felt familiar from its opening breath. Hollow Heart drew his attention into a narrow, steady line.
When the method reached the passage that would ordinarily mute emotional response, the feelings came into sharper focus instead. Yan noticed irritation at the Registry, worry for the witnesses, and affection for Qinghe without confusing one for another. He could return to his breath, then bring his attention back to the room with ease.
He stopped after completing one cycle. There was no urge to keep repeating the method just to prove it worked.
Qinghe arrived with a chart tucked under her arm. “Was it different this time?”
“Easier. I could feel the anger without letting it become the whole answer.”
She set the chart down. “And the worry?”
“It’s still there.” He said it without embarrassment. “I’m worried about the hearing. I’m worried about you being pulled into it. I’m also glad you’re here.”
Qinghe studied him for a moment, then sat beside the table. “I’m glad you said that plainly.”
