He was simply the kind of person who moved toward comfort and away from conflict until those habits made him complicit in someone else’s cruelty.

He asked if Marian would like a brief visit.

I went to her room rather than deciding for her.

She said ten minutes would be fine.

When Derek walked in, he stayed by the door until she invited him closer.

He apologized for his part.

Marian told him she was glad he had come, but that she still needed time to feel safe.

“I understand,” he said.