“Cruelty on that level-“ and now that anger is out again, and yes, it’s for her. He hopes she can see that. Can recognize it. He shakes his head. Tried to settle.

“I’m sorry.” Just that, nothing more, a deep breath in. A deep one out.

“I don’t think ‘I understand’ is… true. But. I empathize. And I want… I want to help you get back there.”