What she gives in return is gentleness, something that once felt so foreign but now feels necessary, possible. Even when she breaks it, she brings their foreheads together, letting her take in some of the changes. There is room to breathe - fitful emotions that barely managed to coexist can now flow, and above all, a deep and serene sense of relief. What would try and whisper hatred with every breath has been removed - not merely unbound but uprooted, and in its place, something that actually has a chance to grow and flower if not fed solely on blood.

It worked. It worked. And she could dance, she could sing, she could run across the entire island with the strength of this joy.