control
"There's a difference. Pushing is aggressive. Not being present is just... abandonment dressed up as respect."
"I don't know how to do this," I said.
"Just move," Eli said. "Just let your hand touch mine. It's not a decision that needs strategy. It's just proximity. It's just connection."
I turned my hand, and our fingers made contact on the counter. Not hands held. Just fingertips touching. Just that small acknowledgment of physical presence.
The moment stretched.
"I'm sorry," I said.
"I know," Eli said. "But sorry isn't enough anymore. You need to show me that you're actually choosing this."