The memory is protection.

It is what makes sure the thing does not happen again, to you, or to the next quiet girl a town decides to disbelieve.

Some wounds do not need to be avenged.

But they must never be lied about, not even by the person who suffered them, not even in the name of healing.

Vivienne healed.

But she never once lied about what it cost her.

And that unflinching, unrevenging honesty is the strongest thing I have ever watched a person do.