Jerry woke before the alarm. He remained perfectly still on the narrow cushion beside Lydia’s bed, listening to the quiet rhythm of her breathing and waiting for permission to move. The polished wooden floor was hard beneath his knees. His thighs already ached from sleeping curled on the cushion rather than stretching out, but discomfort was not a reason to break position. Lydia had taught him that much during his first week of training. Comfort was given. Movement was permit