Risk vs exposure.
She allowed it.
Not out of trust.
Out of strategy.
The first meeting was neutral.
Public location.
Supervisor present.
Derek arrived early.
Prepared.
Different demeanor.
Calm.
Measured.
He did not mention the past.
Focused on the children.
That was intentional.
Rebuilding perception.
The daughters reacted differently.
Youngest: immediate engagement.
Middle: cautious.
Oldest: observant.
She tracked everything.
Tone.
Body language.
Consistency.
No aggression.
No instability.
But that did not equal safety.
After the meeting, Derek approached her.
“I’m doing everything right,” he said.
