diff --git a/docs/method/dependencies.md b/docs/method/dependencies.md
index df34a7b..66ba913 100644
--- a/docs/method/dependencies.md
+++ b/docs/method/dependencies.md
@@ -102,6 +102,16 @@ independent of the blockage. `docs/method/verification.md` bounds what this repo
 can establish itself, and every grade resting on a document rather than a probe
 says so on its face.
 
+## Waits outlive statuses
+
+A finding that is `fixed` can still owe something. `RISK-F-0001` was closed on
+2026-08-19 and is still waiting on `policy-nexus` for the publication entry
+that turns `disclosure: public` into an actual address.
+
+So the waiting list is built from **every** finding, not from the watched ones.
+A closed record with an open obligation is precisely the thing that goes quiet,
+because nothing is prompting anyone to look at it any more.
+
 ## Where the waits are visible
 
 `make check` reports every open wait with its age, its owner and its default
diff --git a/tools/register_check.py b/tools/register_check.py
index 2d90db5..b1b7289 100644
--- a/tools/register_check.py
+++ b/tools/register_check.py
@@ -123,8 +123,11 @@ def main() -> int:
 
     # Waits: typed, dated, and defaulted (docs/method/dependencies.md).
     waiting, due_defaults, deep = [], [], []
-    waiting_ids = {f["id"] for f in fs if f.get("waiting_on")}
-    for f in fs:
+    # A closed finding can still owe something — RISK-F-0001 is `fixed` and
+    # still waiting on its publication entry. Waits outlive statuses.
+    with_waits = [f for f in lib.findings() if f.get("waiting_on")]
+    waiting_ids = {f["id"] for f in with_waits}
+    for f in with_waits:
         for w in (f.get("waiting_on") or []):
             since = lib.moment(w.get("since"))
             age = f"{(NOW - since).days}d" if since else "?"
diff --git a/tools/register_index.py b/tools/register_index.py
index c149fe1..9d04ac8 100644
--- a/tools/register_index.py
+++ b/tools/register_index.py
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ def render() -> str:
                 id=f["id"], on=f.get("constraint_on", "—"),
                 sev=f.get("constraint_severity", "—"), text=f["constraint"]))
 
-    waits = [(f, w) for f in fs for w in (f.get("waiting_on") or [])]
+    waits = [(f, w) for f in fs for w in (f.get("waiting_on") or [])]  # fs is every finding, closed included
     if waits:
         out += ["", "## Waiting on someone", "",
                 "Every wait resolves on its default date whether or not anyone answers.",