# Ending Quality Audit - Chapter 17

id: ending_quality | owner: codex | target: `output/chapters/chapter_17.md`

ENDING EXCERPT: `"She went down the rest of the iron stairs... At the corner she shifted the strap higher and kept going."`

- `CLEAN — not summarizing` — the ending does not explain how June feels; it tracks the physical walk past the dark glass and empty tote.
- `CLEAN — not stillness-as-depth` — `"shifted the strap higher and kept going"` is forward action after refusing Theo's escort.
- `CLEAN — payoff object remains visible` — the returned catalog, missing eight catalogs, dark front room, and paired canvases keep the rupture tied to objects rather than abstract betrayal.
- `CLEAN — no false closure` — `"The other eight come back some way that isn't you"` leaves an actionable open obligation for Chapter 18 while closing this confrontation.

Chapter verdict: `ENDING-EARNS-CLOSE`.

REVISION ORDERS: none.

