Amal Covers Seven Until the Shoulder Is Mended

Perin counted nine red crossings where my statement and prompt swore six. He was right. I had inspected the palm and dial carefully, then trusted the intended shoulder count over the printed one, the same shortcut I claimed to have stopped taking.

This proof carries exactly nine stitches. Amal’s palm still covers the seven, and the pointer hub still presses through as a dark stud. Her face stays whole. Amal selected that photograph; removing her eyes or mouth to satisfy Bram’s rule would replace her decision with his preferred crop.