After the hurricane drill, Ms. Alvarez pulled Lian aside. “You froze,” she said. Lian’s cheeks burned. “I was just listening.” Ms. Alvarez nodded. “You were listening to your panic. That’s different.” Lian’s voice rose. “I don’t choose it.” Ms. Alvarez’s gaze stayed steady. “No. But you can choose what you do next.” Lian swallowed. “Like what?” Ms. Alvarez handed her a laminated card. “When you feel it coming, you become the one who checks the exits. You turn fear into a job.” Lian stared at the card, a new kind of control settling into her hands.