Finally used that script I'd been practicing out loud for the resume gap question. Got through the whole thing in the interview without my voice shaking this time, actually felt good walking out of there.
Email came back two days later. Not even a real rejection, just 'the role has been placed on hold while we reassess headcount.' Third time this month I've heard some version of that line from a different company.
I spent weeks getting better at explaining myself and it turns out the gap was never the problem, there's just nothing on the other side of the door right now. Not sure what you're supposed to practice for that one.
Anonymous Xerus,