Nounally !!better!! -

The village elder, Mira, grew quiet. She watched people now say “I have a fear” instead of “I am fearing” — and suddenly fear was a possession, not a passing weather. She watched lovers say “I give you my heart” — and hearts became objects that could be broken, returned, or stolen.

“You call this a stone,” she said. “Nounally, you are right. But watch.” nounally

Silence fell over the council.