The weight of her hand laced with his grounds him in the moment. Keeps the anger he feels over what was done to her from turning into full blown rage. He can't change it. Can't take it away from her. She doesn't need his anger. Or his pity. Just his understanding. He stares at their hands as several, quiet minutes pass.

Touching her wasn't just about the violence she had endured. It made her feel like an object, like property.

"Valdis...if I ever touch you or talk to you in a way that makes you feel like a thing...like an object...tell me as plain as that. You don't have to be cautious with me when it comes to how you feel. And I'll back off...let you lead. Follow your direction."