She learned that security could be a kindness and also a wall, and she asked Helen to teach her which doors were for Fiona’s safety and which were only habit.

She wrote a letter to herself in the first week and did not read it until winter.

The letter said: Do not confuse relief with a vow.

Do not pay for safety with silence.

Do not make Fiona grateful for basic care.

The woman who read it in winter did not need to change a line.