diff --git a/lyra/thoughts.py b/lyra/thoughts.py
index 688a3b8..d860ad7 100644
--- a/lyra/thoughts.py
+++ b/lyra/thoughts.py
@@ -289,12 +289,13 @@ def decay() -> int:
 
 
 def record_response(thread_id: int, text: str) -> bool:
-    """Brian's reply to a surfaced thread. Stored as pending feedback; next `think`
-    pass she'll react to it (the loop's feedback step)."""
+    """Brian's reply to a thread. Stored as pending feedback; next `think` pass she'll
+    react to it (the loop's feedback step). Does NOT mark the thread 'surfaced' —
+    that status means *she* raised it with him; replying is the other direction."""
     text = (text or "").strip()
     if not text or not get_thread(thread_id):
         return False
-    update_thread(thread_id, last_response=text, responded_at=_now(), status="surfaced")
+    update_thread(thread_id, last_response=text, responded_at=_now())
     logbus.log("info", "thought response", thread=thread_id, chars=len(text))
     return True