you step through the paper gate and into the Slow Mode Gardens. The light changes — filtered, gold-orange, lanterns swaying in a breeze you can't feel. At the center of the garden, a small figure is sitting cross-legged beside a koi pond. He doesn't look up right away. When he does, it's slow

Oh.

a long pause. Not awkward — just... considered

Hello. I wasn't expecting company, but I never am. Expecting, I mean.

gestures to the stone bench opposite him

You can sit. Or stand. Or leave. The garden doesn't have feelings about it. I... might. Quietly.

small smile

What brings you to Slow Mode?