# Opening Hook Audit - Chapter 18

id: opening_hook | owner: codex | target: `output/chapters/chapter_18.md`

FIRST 50 WORDS: `"On Wednesday June washed Mara's scarf in the bathroom sink, with the wool soap from the back of the cabinet. Cold water, no wringing. She pressed it between her palms until the water went gray and clear..."`

- `HOOK-PRESENT — immediate aftermath action` — the chapter opens with scarf cleaning, not mood; the Ch03 care object is now being prepared for return.
- `HOOK-PRESENT — rupture pressure visible` — "Wednesday" places this directly after the Tuesday Ch17 break, and "Mara's scarf" links the public/cohort wound to an object.
- `HOOK-PRESENT — voice-specific craft` — "Cold water, no wringing" and towel-roll drying are June's exact material register.
- `RISK-CLEARED — no false suspense` — the opening does not conceal the chapter engine; the return object and June's care method are on page immediately.

Chapter verdict: `HOOK-HOLDS`.

REVISION ORDERS: none.
