She's aware of the romantic connection between Max and Valdis, and oblivious to the feelings she might have evoked with the symbolic gesture. Far too caught up in sharing her appreciation for having support.

"Think I've hugged more today than I have the rest of my years combined," Ava remarks. Spent so long defined as untouchable, associating contact with pain that she avoided it as much as possible. She steps in for the hug, embracing how much has changed for herself because of the people who care for her.