The youngest still engaged immediately.
The middle followed.
The oldest maintained distance.
Consistent.
Derek did not attempt to close that distance.
He acknowledged it.
“Take your time,” he said.
Directed at the oldest.
No pressure.
No expectation.
That altered the interaction.
Because control had been removed.
After the visit, the oldest asked:
“Why didn’t he try to make me talk?”
“Because forcing it would break it again,” she said.
Pause.
“So he knows that now?”
“Yes.”
Recognition expanding.
