Trust is easy when there's a net underneath.
When someone else will catch the fall.
When failure can be blamed on absence rather than choice.
When consequences are softened by design.
The city had removed that net.
And now everyone had to decide whether they still trusted the ground.
✦
Arjun felt it immediately.
"They're quieter again," he said.
"Not afraid. Just… careful."
"Yes," I replied.
"Because trust without fallback demands attention."
✦
The other Ishaan aligned, voice calm and exact.
Trust without a net reveals motive, he said.
Those who remain intend to stand.
✦
By midmorning, the first proof arrived.
A group that would once have escalated at the first sign of risk didn't. They paused. Gathered internally. Made a decision that would cost them time—but not dignity.
No one asked the city to validate it.
✦
Arjun raised an eyebrow.
"They didn't check with us."
"Yes," I said.
"And that's trust—not confidence."
✦
The other Ishaan spoke softly.
