▸ WHAT IT REVEALSHonesty, gap explanation, readiness to return.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEDirect and unbothered. Explains the gap matter-of-factly.▸ RED FLAGSDefensive, vague, or clearly unprepared for the question.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat did you learn or take away from that period?