[ Abigail nods, the sadness and disappointment evident in her eyes. To have the person she'd placed at the centre of her world turn on her, cutting her adrift and leaving her to answer for his crimes, was the worst betrayal she could imagine. The logical part of her knows that she shouldn't trust so easily again, but there's a huge void, for a mentor, a guide, that she doesn't feel complete without.

Her smile is small and shy, but she looks genuinely pleased by the compliment. She'd become used to being framed as a victim and a perpetrator, but not as a survivor, a role that actually empowered her. ]

I've never really thought on myself as strong. I just did what I had to. Thank you, though. I... I think I needed to hear that from someone.