The Compliance Window

They noticed the drift in my step. Asked if I needed a rest. Said everything

looks aligned but nothing they checked was mine. The tone gets flat, polite.

Concern wrapped in corporate lie. Just stay inside the frame. They never say chain.

Smile held just long enough to call it trust. This is the compliance window.

Blink and it closes fast. Say yes, sign here, stay level.

Make the moment pass. They don't need force. They don't need

sound. They just narrow what's allowed. This is the compliance window.

Dead lines disguised as care. Soft hands tightening air. They say,